Electronic Version of Aleksander Maciesza’s 1907 Statistical Atlas of the Polish Kingdom
Electronic Version of Aleksander Maciesza’s 1907 Statistical Atlas of the Polish Kingdom

Summary/Abstract: The article outlines the origins and significance of Aleksander Maciesza’s Atlas, as well as the methodological assumptions for the production of its electronic version. The Statistical Atlas of the Polish Kingdom, compiled by Aleksander Maciesza, was published in 1907. It was an innovative work for the country; it was the first time that the cartographic method, which had been in use for 80 years, was employed to present spatial phenomena. The author intended that, through its new, illustrative form, the Atlas would contribute to the dissemination of demographic and socioeconomic knowledge of the Kingdom among broad sections of society. However, although it was well received, its poor graphic design and editorial shortcomings prevented it from gaining wider popularity, and it soon had only the value of a historical source. Modern computer technology makes it possible to compensate for all these graphical shortcomings and to enhance the maps with new analytical tools, which was the incentive for creating the electronic version.

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