Synopses & Reviews
As we approach the dawn of a new millennium, we are witnessing a period of dramatic environmental, political, and social change to the structure and shape of our world. the time has come for a new way of representing our knowledge and understanding of the Earth. Using innovative computer technology and the latest cartographic data, The Eyewitness Atlas of the World provides an amazingly fresh view of our home planet. Its unique three-dimensional maps, created from a computerized terrain model of the globe, have a clarity and accuracy never before seen in print. Each of the continents is introduced with ah stunning physical map giving an overview of its geography, vegetation, and climate, while more than 50 superbly detailed large-scale maps focus on the world's countries, mapping their rivers, mountains, lakes, roads, and main cities. Over 1,000 photographs, diagrams, and artworks help to capture the particular flavor of each region and its people, illustrating everything from historic buildings to local food and from dramatic landscapes to traditional clothes. The unique combination of high-quality mapping, beautiful images, and informative text is a brand-new way of presenting geographical information for use both at home and at school. The Eyewitness Atlas of the World uses the same high standards of presentation that helped the best-selling Eyewitness books to win design rewards all over the world and to create a new standard in reference publishing.
About the Author
The Atlas Team -- A skilled team of more than 20 cartographers, computer operators, researchers, designers, and editors joined forces to create this beautiful new atlas. Combining the latest cartographic information, state-of-the-art digital technology, and Dorling Kindersley's extensive geographical databases, this atlas represents a major step forward in cartographic reference publishing. Dr. David R. Green of the Department of Geography, King's College, University of London, was involved with the project from the start. His contribution to the planning of each page in the book reflects his extensive knowledge of human geography, his practical experience of travel and research in Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and his keen interest in extending the horizons of geographical study and knowledge. Professor Jan-Peter A.L. Muller, the digital mapping consultant, heads a research team at the Department of Photogrammetry and Surveying, University College, London, that is world leader in this field. The team's work in building high-resolution terrain models of the Earth, and in manipulating computer-enhanced satellite data, provided the key to the unique mapping used in this atlas. Peter Clark, the cartographic consultant, is a former Keeper of the Royal Geographical Society, London. He provided detailed advice on such important features as place names, borders, and the latest cartographic sources. Dr. Andrew Tatham, Keeper, and the staff of the Royal Geographical Society, provided editorial and technical advice throughout the project.