Some elements in the development of the National Atlas of Canada

Abstract

The problems of producing an atlas of Canada that shows the nature, extent and use of the physical resources and their effect on the country's economy and society are intensified by the great size of the country, its federal political structure, and its bilingual culture. The work of compiling the information was organized by the Ceographical Branch in cooperation with other governmental agencies that either produce maps or have source material. As it was impractical to produce a bilingual atlas , separate English and French editions were prepared, the nomenclature in the French edition being based on local usage, and French equivalents used for the geographical terminology. ln addition to providing a record of what is known and unknown, the atlas provides a plan for future geographical research, and will be revised as new data become available.