ATLAS How to use an Atlas MARDELIZA S. LORENZO

What is Atlas?

An atlas is a collection of maps compiled into an easy-to-use format An atlas is a collection of maps compiled into an easy-to-use format. It usually has an accompanying gazetteer, which is an alphabetical listing of place names and their pronunciations.

Atlases may be general in nature and cover the entire globe, or they may be specific to geographical locations, topics or time periods. Specialized atlases exist in a wide variety of topics.

Atlas

2 types of Atlas

Travel atlas is made for easy use during travel, and often has spiral bindings so it may be folded flat. It has maps at a large zoom so the maps can be reviewed easily. A travel atlas may also be referred to as a road map.

Desk atlas is made similar to a reference book Desk atlas is made similar to a reference book. It may be in hardback or paperback form.

How to use an Atlas

Choose an atlas that has the information you need. Make sure the copyright or edition is current. Determine the layout of the atlas. Look at the introductory material.

Study the key or legend to the maps Study the key or legend to the maps. Each publisher uses different symbols, so it's important to know what you are looking at on the maps.

Use the table of contents to find maps for your research Use the table of contents to find maps for your research. You can find entire groups of maps you can use here. Reference the index or gazetteer too. This is normally found in the back of the atlas, although some publishers place it in the introductory section. The index or gazetteer gives the page numbers of the maps you are looking for. Along with the pronunciation of the place name, it gives you longitude and latitude coordinates as well.

Thank you