An atlas combines maps that go together thematically or geographically in book form or as a loose sequence of individual maps. Besides maps, atlases also often contain explanatory texts, tables, figures and graphs. World, national, regional or city atlases are distinguished depending on the geographical reference. Universal, school, planning and specialist atlases are separated according to the intended purpose. An increasing number of interactive digital atlases are being published.

Picture: «Atlas minor Gerardi Mercatoris», Gerardus Mercator, 1634, e-rara