Atlases

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Use an atlas when you need to find out geographical information.

An atlas is a book of maps most frequently used for the purpose of finding where places are located. They may contain charts and tables. Frequently they will have satellite images. The maps may show current or historical information. The most common type of atlas is one that has current maps of the world or of a specific country or state.

How is an atlas organized?

Most atlases have an index and codes and symbols to help you locate places and information. An index gives coordinates and page numbers for locating a specific place. Not all atlases are arranged the same.

When do I use an atlas?

When you need to locate a place on a map this is a good place to look. For any geographical research this will be a good tool.

     Where do I find an atlas?

Look on the reference shelf at REF 912 or REF 970 or in the nonfiction in 912 or 970s. Atlases are sometimes found on special atlas stands in libraries.

How do I use an atlas?

The index is an important part of a good atlas. It lists the specific names of places and shows you which map to go to.

You will also need to check the symbols and legends of an atlas to understand what the maps are showing you. This is usually at the front of an atlas.

For example, one symbol that is common is a bold dot that shows where a specific city is.

Legends may show you the scale of a map.

One example is how many fractions of an inch will equal one mile.

 Atlases in Your Library

• Hammond World Atlas
• National Geographic Atlas of the World
• Goode's World Atlas
• Oregon Atlas
• Cambridge Atlas of Astronomy
• Atlas of World Cultures
• Children's Atlas of Native Americans

ELECTRONIC

 

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Altapedia   external-link  http://www.atlapedia.com/

 

• Includes countries A-Z, world maps
  

Map Machine from National Geographic     http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/mapmachine/index.html

 

• Includes satellite, physical and theme maps.  Locate a specific address too.

 

 

Google Maps              http://maps.google.com/maps?tab=wl

 

 

• Locates specific addresses and gives directions to them.