Atlas Mapping of Pacific Russia

An atlas is a special type of publication of geographical data; it is the result of thematic or complex, applied and fundamental scientific research of a certain territory or object. The systematic presentation of materials in atlases through maps reveals the state, dynamics, and functioning of the territory, or processes peculiar to it, in accordance with strict criteria for the selection of materials and the principles of structuring spatial data. An analysis of atlas works covering the territory of Pacific Russia is carried out in this paper. The article provides an assessment of the coverage of the region with systematized cartographic data. The classification of atlases is carried out, their structural and functional content is studied, and the prospects for the development of atlas mapping of Pacific Russia are assessed. Publications are used that represent exclusively the territory of Pacific Russia (Primorsky krai, Khabarovsk krai, Kamchatka krai, Sakhalin oblast, Magadan oblast, Amur oblast, the Jewish Autonomous Oblast, and the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug), individual objects and territories, or parts of these subjects. Out of the total number of printed publications designated in the title or subtitle as an atlas (82 pieces), 29 works were selected that can be classified as geographical atlases. The selected atlases are classified according to four criteria—content, purpose, subject of mapping, and cartography. The content is analyzed and 29 geographical atlases representing Pacific Russia, subjects, and individual natural objects are classified according to the selected criteria. The results of the analysis show a weak degree of security in the whole of Pacific Russia and its individual territories with atlas works. The absence of complex works is typical for the entire region, which reflects its lack of systematic, formalized, and uniform cartographic data. It is concluded that the creation of modern regional integrated atlases, as well as the Atlas of Asian Russia (Siberia and the Far East), is not only fundamental, but also of applied importance, including for the successful implementation of programs for the advanced socioeconomic development of Siberia and the Russian Far East.