Aspects of the thematic atlas compilation

Abstract

An atlas is regarded as the ultimate cartographic product. For its compilation, there are needed the cartographer’s experience in all field of cartography, which can be obtained only by systematic cartographic production. The thematic scientific atlases require well-skilled cartographers in addition the ability to communicate, to discuss and to work together with the thematicians, the experts in the content of the thematic atlases and maps. Despite the significant facilitation of cartographic production by tools of latest information and communication technologies (especially for technical aspects of geovisualization), a conceptual work of the cartographers is still irreplaceable. Because of non-compliance with this rule a large number of titles known as ‘the atlas’ come every year, although they do not comply with a cartographic concept partially or even totally. The paper deals with a scientific thematic atlas from several perspectives. First, it discusses the definition of books labelled as an atlas and defines its four types. Afterwards, it formulates the reasons that are necessary to be met when building and launching an atlas project. The third part is devoted to the importance of the thematic, spatial and temporal specification of the atlas and its relation to the atlas content. In the final part of the paper, the author highlights the different relationships within the atlas based on the geographic fundament of the main theme of the atlas.