The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-20
HOW ALIASES ARE MADE.
Mr. Spencer Townsend, "a
Authority on Geographical Topics,
Talks EntertainingIy On n Subject
of General Interest.

Scientific American.
The comprehensive atlas of to-day, fitted
for both home and commercial uses, has
grown TO be much that Is beyond the mere
collection OF suitably colored map pages
which our forefathers knew as an atlas. In
these days OF many and diversified inter-
ests, il has become necessary 10 incorpo-
rate within the covers of an atlas not only
the maps which illustrate the world and its
subdivisions, of countries. states and cities,
but as well, very painstaking descriptions
OF the countries so mapped, comprehensive
and down-to-date statistics OF those coun-
tries. whether of population, commerce,
manufactures. or other departments OF
their life and enterprise, and in addition
thereto it is now considered requisite 10
add historical matter of wide reach and
encyclopedia accuracy. together with such
mapping and charting OF the heavens as
will make plain that larger geography
tn which our world is only a minor part.
Still further. there must be complete and
accurate lists of all the principal cities and
most of the towns, OF any size whatever.
mentioned on the scores or maps which go
20 make up the photographic feature OF the
utias and these must be arranged alpha
betically, must, as far as possible, give the
: statistics of each place in question, and a
keV-SiGu must also De given whereby the
location can be accurately placed upon the
indicated map. Here, then, we have a great
field OF endeavor which calls, not for the
work Of one supervising editor alone, but
Tor that of a considerable number OF com
pliers and r%evisers. whose w~atchwOrd must
Invariably and always be Accuracy And
all this work must &c on under the direC-
fion Of a publisher 20 whom expense is a
minor consideration. when this w%atchword
IS at stake.
HOW THE MAPS ARE MADE.
Taking up first what Will seem % most
users OF an atlas its most important feat
ure. its maps. il will be of interest TO trace
the method by which a new and accurate
map. with all its f~eatural details brought
down TO date. must be produced. In the
first place, 20 prepare for such a work the
editor OF this department gathers about
him from every possible source the very
best and latest maps and charts OF the
political division which is 10 be shown on
che desired map. II IL is a state map OF the
United states. FOR example. several depart-
ments and bureaus OF departments OF the
government at Washington must be con-
suited. in order 90 obtain from them the
best and latest of their productions. To the
Postofhce Department the editor turns for
The latest information regarding the lOCa-
ZION Of poStoffices. 10 the coast and geo
celtic survey. for the coastal outline OF the
region 10 be mapped. II II has such. and
for the accurate representation of the
courses OF naNlEAnie waters To the geo
logical survey for representations OF such
physical features as the contours OF noun
tain and valley. the courses OF minor
streams. the position and outline or lakes.
etc: 10 the Land Office especially for lands
sfin In the possession or under the control
of the United states. parks and timber
reservations. and for features not shown
BY other Apartments. 90 the War Depart
meut for the army maps. for the excel
Iencs Of which they are famed: TO the Navy
Department for charts and surveys not is
sued by other departments. showing spe-
ciaI naval features. and 10 the Indian COM
missfoners FOR the locations OF reservations
and Indian agencies. n such there % within
the territory 20 be represented.
RAILROAD FEATURES.
This country. possessing. as fl does. near
IL one-half OF the railroad mileage Of the
world. especially demands that keen at
tenton should be given TO All railway feat
ures upon the maps Of any OF its States.
Building roads at an average Of about 1900
miles - new construction per year. and
thus constantly opening up new territory
where frequently towns and villages bios
som over night and syery monthly report
shOws the presence OF new postofices. IL