National Atlas of Mongolia

Summary

The National Atlas of Mongolia is a major comprehensive cartographic work produced by a joint collective of Mongolian and Russian scholars. Designed as a fundamental scientific reference, it provides a systematic source of information on Mongolia's natural conditions, resources, and socio-economic potential, thus forming a key component of the state information infrastructure. The atlas consists of two parts: the natural section with 148 maps covering geomorphology, history of the organic world, climate, surface waters, soils, vegetation, fauna, landscapes, and natural regionalization; and the socio-economic section with 128 maps on population, agriculture, industry and construction, transport, education, culture, trade, health, territorial systems, and international links. An original feature is the high proportion of evaluative maps. The reviewer highlights certain shortcomings, such as occasionally inappropriate cartographic representation, unused blank spaces on map sheets, and insufficiently explained legends in agricultural maps. Nevertheless, the atlas represents a significant contribution to geographical science and thematic cartography, and its concept largely anticipated the post-planned economic transition.