Title: Rand McNally The Road Atlas ‘05

Publisher: Rand McNally & Company

ISBN: 0528845403

The following review was contributed by: 

NORM GOLDMAN:  Editor of Bookpleasures-CLICK TO VIEW>>  Norm Goldman's Reviews

As my wife and I are a unique team, artist and travel writer respectively, we are constantly on the road gathering material for our articles and images.

One thing we try to avoid is getting lost, however, I must admit that sometimes the straight path to our destinations can sometimes prove to be elusive. Oh yes, we have heard about Mapquest.com and other similar Internet sites.

However, unfortunately, the guidance provided by these sources is sometimes misleading.

Since 1924 Rand McNally has been publishing their road atlas, and with every new publication something new and interesting is added.

Unlike many of their competitors, Rand McNally tries to be as helpful and up-to-date as possible by providing its readers with information that is often overlooked.

As an example, the 2005’ edition offers readers access to online road construction information, profiles of dining establishments, shopping, tourist attractions, quirky attractions, phone numbers and web sites to secure information for U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and Mexico.

It is to be noted that there have been 20, 000 updates that have been added to the atlas since 2001!

My wife and I enjoy spreading a map on the table and trying to figure out where would be the most interesting venues to write or paint about, and here is where the atlas shines by suggesting the “Best of the Road,” wherein you are informed about great road trips that will enhance your driving experience. In the 2005’ edition, 5 new trips are suggested, one of which is close to our home in Montreal, the “Voyageur’s Quebec Trail.” As pointed out, travelers can experience “France, North American style.”

The Atlas reproduces clearly illustrated maps of all 50 States, the 10 Canadian Provinces and small general maps of Mexico and Puerto Rico. In addition, there is an excellent index listing all of the towns and their locations, as well as mileage in minutes of some of the major cities in the USA and Canada. The latter is clearly illustrated on a map forming the back cover of the atlas.

The map legend on page one of the atlas describes the various symbols used on the various maps such as the various kinds of roads you may encounter such as toll, paved,

unpaved, as well as brief descriptions of cities and towns, parks, recreation areas, points of interest, hospitals, airports, etc.

This atlas with its colorful and explicit maps is a must-have for anyone traveling in unfamiliar regions, and may even be helpful as a teaching aid for young students of geography.