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The Historical Atlas of Canada is a beautiful example of information visualization in the best sense: enormous volumes of data are compressed into the simplicity of what is at first glance a purely aesthetic experience. Such lovely, detailed maps, and—look!—how informative, too.
As the atlas moves online the print version’s stunning artistry is being replaced by the online version’s utilitarian interactivity. The change highlights the increasingly antique status of certain kinds of reference books, while raising questions about whether an interactive resource can make a cultural impact. Read on.
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