National Geographic Atlas of the World Oxford Atlas of the World

In this update to the 2005 eighth edition, the National Geographic Society presents more than 80 large-format color maps grouped by continent portraying the world with detailed, digitally painted terrain modeling. Each continent is introduced by satellite, political, and physical maps. Political maps for regions and specific countries follow, including new regional maps for Greenland, Amazonia, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran, the Arabian Peninsula, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Korean Peninsula, and the Horn of Africa. There are additional detailed maps of the oceans' floors and both hemispheres of the moon and Mars. New thematic maps have been produced for this edition, treating environmental issues, natural resources, biodiversity, and human culture. A 28-page consolidated gazetteer, "Flags and Facts," is featured with country summaries including current official flags, demographic and economic data for all independent nations and dependencies arranged alphabetically, followed by Canadian provinces and U.S. states. The index includes more than 150,000 entries for cities and natural features but without geographical coordinates.True to its commitment to revise its premium atlas annually, Oxford University Press has released this update of the 2009 16th edition. Retaining the same format, it contains 179 pages of full-color, computer-generated political and topographical maps by Philip's with terrain modeling that is detailed and dramatic. A separate city map section covers 69 international metropolitan areas with 42 city center close-ups. A 32-page gazetteer provides ready reference on independent states and dependencies with data boxes, country summaries, and current official flags. More than 70 updated world and regional thematic maps with illustrations and text explore topics from the food crisis, demographics, and economics to the environment. The "Images of Earth" section presents 17 stunning, full-page satellite photos, 11 new to this edition. The general index contains roughly 84,000 entries with full geographic coordinates. BOTTOM LINE These fascinating, top-of-the-line atlases reflect the most recent geopolitical changes, including the independence of Montenegro and Kosovo, Venezuela's half-hour time zone change, and the demarcation of the de-facto states of Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, and Somaliland. Each has its own special qualities: National Geographic's larger size and massive index; Oxford's lower cost and useful city maps. Both of these splendid publications are highly recommended for all libraries, as well as home, school, and office.—Edward K. Werner, St. Lucie Cty. Lib. Syst., Ft. Pierce, FL