An easy-to-use, informative look at contemporary geography and its cultural differences features satellite computer-generated maps, full-color reference grids, and descriptive charts and diagrams. Hundreds of small color photographs surround the maps in this attractive atlas. Coverage of the world's nations is well balanced; this means there are maps of regions of the U.S., not separate maps of individual states. Maps are spread across two pages, and occasionally some detail is lost in the gutter. Symbols are used to show crops, natural resources, industries, and tourist sites. Because pages are somewhat cluttered, it is sometimes hard to find standard features, such as the flag and population for each country. A brief glossary is followed by a map index. Fact boxes for countries in the index have data on population density, life expectancy, literacy, etc. A map of the world on the endpapers also serves as an index to countries. The maps in this atlas are not detailed enough to rival the standard Rand McNally and Hammond atlases, but the additional information provided by the text and photos make it interesting to browse. School and public libraries will want to consider purchase. Sandy Whiteley