National Geographic Collegiate Atlas of the World, Second Edition

As a second edition of a successful National Geographic atlas creation, the new Collegiate Atlas is fresh with the latest developments in the political and natural world and brings modern visual clarity and topical content--in a succinct presentation--to a world rich with geographic data and information.

Two opening spreads in the front matter help the reader to better interpret images and new data. “Remote World” introduces readers to data collection via remote sensing and GPS technology. “Understanding Our World Spatially” follows, covering data processing and analysis as it relates to mapping and using GIS technology (Geographic Information Systems). These explanatory introductory pieces provide the foundation for students to gain insight into modern-day map making, which is reflected in the content of the colorful, engaging, fact-filled spreads that lie ahead.

The atlas also addresses the traditional subjects of map scales, projections, and map reading skills. Based on feedback from more than 100 professors, educational reviewers, and other consultants, we have added special thematic map spreads addressing each Continental Economy. In addition–within each continent–physical, political, and regional mapping is presented at the same scale, which allows the reader to compare map information easily and accurately. This feature of a fixed scale for regions provides the reader the option to roam from one end of a continent to its other end, flipping through the pages, while maintaining a constant scale.

Careful selection of place-names and features make the maps very informative but not overly cluttered. Computer-generated shading enhances the look of the political maps while providing valuable information on topography. The ocean floors of the world are dramatically portrayed with bathymetric relief paintings. And lastly, world political information, statistics, geographic comparisons, and glossaries are organized in easy-to-use sections in the back matter.