National Geographic Collegiate Atlas of the World
Grade 8 Up–This is a compact adaptation ofNational Geographic Atlas of the World(2005). Recent advances in mapping technology are evident in these 250-plus maps and 50 satellite images that present data on the political, physical, human, and economic worlds. Introductory entries discuss cartography in the 21st century and its use in interpreting global issues. The World presents visual and short textual global overviews of subjects such as Transportation, Defense & Conflict, Communication, Health & Literacy, Trade & Globalization, and Biodiversity. Next, sections on each continent provide maps, charts, and text on the continent and then on subregions, by theme. The maps mostly use the same scale, making comparisons easy. World Facts follows, preceding an exhaustive place index. A companion Web site provides a photo gallery, atlas updates, and customized maps. Though this work is jammed with fascinating information, maps and graphs are smaller and fewer (maps of the solar system and of cities are not included). Material near the gutters is hard to decipher, as is much of the small, light print on the reduced maps. TheCollegiate Atlasprovides a lot of information and is suitable for home use, but libraries would be better off with the earlier edition.–Peg Glisson, Mendon Center Elementary School, Pittsford, NYCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.