The atlas will include 40 different maps of the state—highlighting everything from weather extremes to rivers, lakes, and bays—and other useful geographic information.

“This isn’t a coffee table-style atlas, but teachers and students will find it very useful,” said Charles Kovacik, a USC geography professor emeritus who will step down in June as co-director of the Geographic Alliance. “The first atlas of South Carolina was produced in 1825—that was the first atlas for any state at the time—and this is the first one produced for South Carolina since then.”

The atlas is especially geared for students in third through eighth grades. Two copies will be sent to every school, and thousands more will be distributed at professional development activities sponsored by the Geographic Alliance. In addition, a Web-based version of the atlas will be created following distribution of the print version.

Weather extremes map from the atlas of South Carolina

Another retired USC geography professor, Ted Steinke, was the chief cartographer for the S.C. atlas project. He worked with a team of graduate students to complete the maps. One of the more unusual maps they produced outlines the regional locations of South Carolina where different types of barbeque are served: mustard-based in the Midlands and part of the Lowcountry; tomato-based in the Upstate; ketchup-based in the Savannah River valley; and vinegar and pepper in the Pee Dee.

The atlas was sponsored by the S.C. Commission for the Humanities, the S.C. Department of Education, and National Geographic.

“This is part of our whole geoevangelism effort—spreading the word about geography in our schools and to the public,” Kovacik said.

Jerry Mitchell, a research associate in the Department of Geography, will become full-time director of the alliance following Kovacik’s departure.

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