This atlas is a collection of maps--more than 50 of them--all focused on the geographic characteristics of Alaska. Each map displays information about a single topic, such as transportation, climate, or where Alaska is located in relation to other nations in the North Pacific. Together these maps form a picture of Alaska and the physical and human qualities that characterize this amazing state.

The maps and their accompanying narratives are organized according to five categories of geographic knowledge:

*Perspectives, or spatial dimensions of Alaska, show where the state is located within the world, its dimensions, and how it might be divided into regions.
*Physical Geography shows the shape of the land, the land and tectonic structure, water features, glaciation, and permafrost.
*Human Geography deals with population, transportation, cities, communication, and services.
*Environment and Society focuses on natural hazards such as earthquakes and the various ways Alaskans use the environment for subsistence or commercial fishing.
*Uses of Geography emphasizes the fact that geography and mapping are important in a wide variety of activities and occupations pursued by Alaskans all across the state.

The atlas also includes other visual elements besides maps. Graphs and diagrams within each narrative show such concepts as how geography and time are related. For example, the population of Alaska is graphed over a period of 100 years, and the cyclic nature of gold mining is shown on a time chart.