Buying guide for best world atlas maps
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Whether you’re planning to travel around the world, seeking knowledge for a geography class or looking for an interesting coffee-table read, world atlas maps are essential to your book collection. Full of facts, photos and more, world atlases can show us a lot more than just maps. By simply turning pages and checking out the legends, you can learn about people and places all around the globe.
Maps of numerous regions countries, and continents are, of course, the main content in any world atlas. However, while some feature general mapping, others focus on history, travel or other topics. Some atlases also include specialized sections on topics such as celestial bodies, flag facts, road details, bodies of water and more.
With so many options, choosing the best world atlas map can be confusing, so we’ve included information about types of atlases and the information you can expect to find inside to help you select one that fits your needs. The “National Geographic Atlas of the World” is our top pick for containing more than 300 maps, colorful graphics and comprehensive information.
Which world atlas map is best?
National Geographic Atlas of the World
Page count: 448 | Number of maps: More than 300 | Full-color maps: Yes | Weight: 2.3 lb
Best of the Best
Now in its 11th edition, the “National Geographic Atlas of the World” tops our list of favorites, thanks to its collection of more than 300 maps. Organized by continents, it features information on 195 countries, with intricate details and vivid graphics. Incredibly thorough, it has maps of states, oceans, poles, islands and much more.
We love that it includes an index of more than 150,000 locations, making it a comprehensive choice perfect for the classroom, home library or desktop. In-depth data includes facts about energy sources, climate, economy and more.
It also provides an entire section on space, so readers can delve into exploration beyond earth. Although this world atlas, which was published in 2019, is packed with detailed information, we found that everything from the maps to the data is easy to read.
In addition to being educational and informative, this atlas is also beautiful and perfect for gift-giving. An eye-catching cover, quality paper, a bookmark ribbon and a slipcase are part of its premium feature set.
Collins World Atlas: Paperback Edition
Page count: 64 | Number of maps: NA | Full-color maps: Yes | Weight: 10.9 oz
Best Bang for the Buck
If you are shopping for a world atlas on a budget, we think the “Collins World Atlas” is an affordable option that won’t disappoint. Published in January 2025, it’s both inexpensive and very current. Although it’s not the largest atlas available, we found that it contains 65 pages with numerous maps from around the globe.
The vivid pages of this atlas have a wide range of data points that provide a better understanding of our world. From flags to languages to capitals, the information teaches important details about countries, geography, people and beyond. Additionally, it earns our endorsement for containing more than 10,000 mapping points and easy-to-use legends.
There’s nothing bulky about this paperback book that weighs less than a pound. That makes it a good choice for students or adventurers who need an atlas that fits nicely in a bag and won’t weigh them down. We recommend it for anyone who doesn’t have a lot to spend but needs an informative book of maps that’s easy to carry.
Merriam-Webster’s Student Atlas
Page count: 132 | Number of maps: NA | Full-color maps: Yes | Weight: 13.6 oz
Best for Kids
Pictures and charts and graphs, oh my! The Merriam-Webster’s Student Atlas is designed to entice youngsters to learn more about their world. Made for kids 7 and older, it has colorful pages that grab their attention and easy-to-use materials that capture their interests.
Published in 2022, this paperback edition is perfect for middle-school classrooms. Even though it’s made to be kid-friendly, we give it high marks for being a comprehensive learning tool, too.
It informs students with a plethora of facts about oceans, boundaries, landforms, climate, languages, geography and much more with its exceptional collection of physical, political and thematic maps. Plus, the map legends are simple to understand so kids won’t get confused as they locate facts. We also like that its lightweight paperback design and low price make it the best world atlas maps for students.
Smithsonian History of the World Map by Map
Page count: 448 | Number of maps: 140 | Full-color maps: Yes | Weight: 2.3 lb
Focus on History
Published in 2023, the Smithsonian History of the World Map by Map is an up-to-date hardcover atlas that will stand out on a desk or bookshelf. Along with numerous information-packed maps and bold photos, it’s full of historical facts that take readers around the world and back in time.
From important historical figures to major battles, it offers a glimpse into world history through the centuries. As readers flip through its pages, they will find that the information is well organized and the maps are easy to read. Starting with the evolution and migration of our ancient ancestors, it covers events such as the Greece and Persian War, the rise of the Ottomans, Napoleon’s advances and the American Civil War.
Published in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution, it contains 140 maps as well as timelines. For such an attractive hardcover book with more than 400 pages and an excellent layout, it’s a great value and the perfect gift for the history buff in your life.
Philip’s The Royal Geographic Society World Atlas
Page count: 264 | Number of maps: 70 city maps, 96 total world maps| Full-color maps: Yes | Weight: 2.75 lb
Simple Yet Solid
There’s a lot to like about the Philip’s The Royal Geographic Society World Atlas. This 264-page paperback atlas includes 70 city maps and a total of 96 world maps that are colorful and rich in details. There are also 10 city maps with satellite images in full color.
This book of world maps begins with a 32-page introduction and is followed by an index with more than 35,000 locations to discover. These features make it easy to understand the included data and locate specific facts and locations. The included solar system information helps readers understand earth’s location in space.
From populations to economics, climate to humanities and beyond, this atlas is easy to read yet surprisingly detailed. We think it’s a good deal when it comes to both price and educational value. That’s why we like it for the classroom or the home office.
How we analyzed world atlas maps
In our search to find the best world atlas maps, we considered several key points. We looked for atlases that included numerous world maps with photos and colorful graphics. We checked to see if they were easy to read and visually appealing. We decided that books that included ample data in addition to maps offered optimal information.
World atlases from reputable publishers were put at the top of our list. The number of pages, quality of the paper and type of binding were also considerations in our search. Our team also reviewed customer feedback to give us insight into shoppers' thoughts of their purchases, including pros and cons.
Types of world atlas maps
When shopping for world atlas maps, it’s important to understand the different types that are available. General-reference, world-history, children’s and travel atlases are the four most popular options. Keep in mind that all types typically include illustrations, photos, facts, legends and indexes.
General-reference atlases
The majority of atlases fall into the general-reference category. The maps in these books focus on the physical features of an area, such as size, location and relation to surrounding features. Natural features such as mountains and bodies of water and man-made features such as cities and roads are included in this type of atlas.
World-history atlases
As the name suggests, this type of atlas portrays the history of the world. In addition to maps, world-history atlases use charts, pictures and diagrams to explain various periods of time. They may also highlight specific topics, such as religion or social aspects of a region, or time frames such as ancient history or early to present times.
Children’s atlases
Children’s atlases are designed to be both educational and interesting to kids. Also packed with maps and facts, they introduce kids to the world with stories and illustrations that make them want to explore through reading. You’ll find the recommended age range on children’s atlases so you can find one to fit a specific age group.
Travel atlases
When you’re ready to visit destinations around the world, a travel atlas can help you along your journeys. They are easy to read and simplify mapping routes to assist readers as they go from place to place. These map books also include travel tips and details about places to stay and explore.
Our top picks: Types of world atlas maps
- National Geographic Atlas of the World: This is a premium general-reference atlas with more than 300 maps. It includes gorgeous photos and countless facts and is designed by a popular publisher.
- Collins World Atlas: Paperback Edition: Affordable yet informative, this is a paperback general-reference atlas that’s lightweight and easy to put in a bag and carry to class.
- Merriam-Webster’s Student Atlas: Our top pick for kids, this student atlas contains numerous colorful maps. It’s colorful pages and easy-to-read information promote learning.
- Smithsonian History of the World Map by Map: This hardbound world-history atlas has detailed maps and focuses on history throughout the centuries.
- Philip's RGS World Atlas: Although it's simple to read and inexpensive, this paperback atlas of maps is well-stocked with facts and details for world exploration at your fingertips.
Special features
There are several important features to consider before you buy world atlas maps.
- Full-color photos: Many atlases have colorful photos that give readers a real-world glimpse into places, people, natural features and more.
- Satellite imagery: You can expect to find images from satellites in atlases that contain sections on space. Some atlases also have satellite images of earth features.
- Charts and graphs: Charts and graphs in world atlas maps allow readers to visualize facts. These are especially useful in atlases for kids.
- Glossary: A glossary in an atlas contains words and phrases found in the book and provides definitions for a better understanding of the contents.
- Cover: The cover of a book of world atlas maps is either hardcover or paperback. While hardbound atlases are great for gifting or placing in a highly visible area, paperback atlases are best for carrying in a backpack or using for quick reference.
- Index: Found at the back of the atlas, an index makes quick work of finding mapping data.
Our top picks: Special features
- National Geographic Atlas of the World: With many color photos, data-rich graphics and a special section on space (with star charts, maps of the moon and Mars, and more), this hardcover atlas stands at the top of our list. Its helpful index cites more than 150,000 locations found on the maps in the book.
- Collins World Atlas: Paperback Edition: It’s more basic than others on our list, but this paperback atlas of world maps is loaded with informative details.
- Merriam-Webster’s Student Atlas: In addition to the colorful photos, the charts and graphs in this student atlas are designed to educate kids about the world.
- Smithsonian History of the World Map by Map: This is another hardcover atlas with brightly colored maps, timelines and numerous photos to help readers better understand world history.
- Philip's RGS World Atlas: You’ll be able to find information with ease thanks to this paperback book of maps’ well-organized 35,000 plane-name index. Its satellite images of cities are vivid and informative.
FAQ
What is a map legend?
A. Most maps have a legend, which is a descriptive table that explains its colors, scales and symbols. Typically found beside or below a map, it guides readers in finding information on the map.
What are the three main varieties of maps included in world atlas maps?
A. Political, physical and thematic are the three most commonly used maps. Political maps contain boundaries between states, countries, continents and more. Physical maps focus on natural geographical features but might also contain manmade features such as roads. Thematic maps are based on a set theme, such as population or climate.
Our expertise
As an avid reader and history enthusiast, Jennifer Manfrin has devoured the pages of many world atlases over the years. As a longtime writer for BestReviews, she wrote this informative guide that delves deeper into the different types of atlases as well as important features to consider when making a purchase.
