Revisiting the electronic atlas concept: from theoretical model to metaconcepts of atlas applications

The completion of most national electronic atlas projects in the 2010s has led to the stagnation of atlas theory. However, the number of applications labelled as ‘atlases’ continues to grow. These atlases differ significantly in appearance, content, functionality, and style of use, while maps do not always serve as their primary means of representation. This study integrates theory and practice by examining the electronic atlas concept as both an abstract model and a real-world application. We summarised the terminology, properties, and functions of electronic atlases and discussed non-atlas applications. To explain the various interpretations of electronic atlases as end-user applications, we introduced the term ‘metaconcept’ and proposed a framework for describing the metaconcepts of electronic atlases. Based on the media-cartographic analysis of 100 electronic atlases, we developed a typology of nine metaconcepts. A matrix of 17 three-state and 11 categorical indicators was designed and tested for metaconcept identification. The most prevalent metaconcepts were collections of maps/modules (22%), visualisation atlases (19%), and ‘encyclopaedias’ (17%), whereas the least common were ‘geoportals’ (3%) and narrative atlases (2%). Assessing the quality and user experience of electronic atlases within each metaconcept, along with evaluating their prospects, constitutes a direction for future research.