Практика построения региональных комплексных исторических атласов

Abstract

This article is devoted to the methodology and practice of composition of regional complex historical atlases on the example of historical and thematic mapping of the Crimean Peninsula as part of the Taurida Governorate. As part of a comparative analysis of the distinctive features of regional complex historical atlases the authors presents representative examples of regional and national mapping in the second half of the 20th century which contributed to the emergence of a niche for national historical atlases. The practice of composition of national historical atlases promoted to the noticeable development of historical cartographic research, but it does not allow to solve the problem of continuity and coherence of historical maps of different themes qualitatively due to its specificity. Regional complex historical atlases can more accurately convey spatial information of various themes owing to more stable mapping object within their boundaries and the vastness of the source base at the polyscale level. Crimea (1768–1917) was chosen as a representative object for compositing the regional complex historical atlas due to the diversity of the peninsula’s geographical environment, dynamic socio-economic and demographic processes and the presence of a wide base of various primary sources from statistical reviews to travelers’ reports. The main theoretical approaches to the grouping of maps and sections, potential topics of regional historical mapping and possible typological solutions for their representation were highlighted based on the structure of the Crimea atlas. Particular attention is paid to the problems of navigation and review of such atlases, which should consider the specifics of the theoretical composition and content of regional historical maps.