-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Atlas Suggestions
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2005 11:35:38 -0800
From: Brian Bach <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask]

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Joan,

We recently received the new National Geographic Atlas of the World
(8th ed.), and we are delighted with it. The NGS style is so embedded in
the expectations of users that it is usually the ready reference of
choice in our collection. It certainly qualifies as a serious
comprehensive world atlas. It and the Times Atlas (Bartholomew
cartography) take pride of place here. They complement one another.

Personally, I think that NGS has reached new heights in offering an
all-purpose atlas which combines traditional cartography with 'digital
era' information, whether supplemental, overlapping, graphic, or
textual. The integration of these two approaches is elegant, low key,
and comforting. Comforting in that such a fusion is purposeful and
wisely handled. Pretty much everything in this atlas is well executed.
Spot heights are given on the isle of Socotra, on a 1:7,000,000 map, no
less. What more could one want? I also detect a subtle decrease in the
vividness of the famous NGS coloring on the maps - a wise move, I
think.

Francis H. mentioned the issue of place-name conventions. NGS has
always been pretty catholic in its choices. 'Roma', 'El Iskandariya' and
'Krung Thep' (massively abbreviated!) always struck me as generous (they
even used to employ 'Djakarta'), and very helpful in establishing an
alternative to the exclusivity of Anglo-American perspectives.
Naturally, there are a few curiosities: the choice of 'New Delhi' over
the surrounding conurbation of Delhi as primary identification of the
capital (Bartholomew accurately shows it as more of an integrated
district rather than a separate entity), 'Ceylon' still remains in
parentheses decades after the official name change (an understandable
sentimental decision), and Kalyan, a rapidly expanding suburb of Bombay
(sorry, Mumbai) is nevertheless shown in type as large as the much
larger metropolis to the west.  But of course these are just 'matter of
opinion' issues; trivial, really.

The NGS atlas is a splendid work, and an essential reference tool.

All best,

Brian


Brian P. Bach
Maps Specialist
Documents/Maps
Brooks Library
Central Washington University
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7548
USA
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>>> [log in to unmask] 2/17/2005 8:56:37 AM >>>
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Suggestions
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2005 10:04:08 -0500
From: Joan Goodbody <[log in to unmask]>
To: Maps and Air Photo Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]>

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If we wanted to get a really good, comprehensive World Atlas that has
recently been published, which one would this group suggest? Just
wondering since all ours are over 10 years old and I have to come up
with reference suggestions by the end of the week. Thanks much. Joan
Joan Goodbody
Reference/Instruction Librarian
Government Documents Coordinator
Michigan Technological University Library
Houghton, MI 49931-1295
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906-487-2698