The maps in this Atlas have been designed to illustrate and augment the text. In the main, they are based on political developments particularly with regard to changes in frontiers stemming from imperialism and conquest on the one hand, and independance movements on the other. Facts drawn from postal history are superimposed on this political background.

Where dates and comments have been used for general historical purposes, they are set within parentheses. Postal history information- as distinct from philatelic information- generally appears without parentheses.

Stamp (philatelic) information is symbolized thus:

Shows dates when stamps on the maps were FIRST USED i.e. when a province or state began using stamps issued by another territory, usually an imperial or occupying power.

Shows dates when stamps were FIRST ISSUED specifically for a province or state and, in some cases, towns.

Shows dates when stamps were SUBSEQUENTLY ISSUED or re-issued for a particular territory, after a 'natural break' (for example, after a coup d'état). These dates tend to reflect particularly important events in the history of the country concerned.

Shows when a Post Office or Postal Agency opened.

Other pertinent information is given in keys for each map.

All stamp information which appears on the maps is duplicated in the text for ease of reference.

The maps have been designed to demonstrate clearly the geographical and historical aspects of each region, with a main map in colour providing an overall outline at the opening of each continental section. Maps for individual countries or areas follow, and these incorporate the chronology of stamp isssues.

The European section differs slightly in style in that it incorporates a set of ten 'time-band' maps specially designed to show the ebb and flow of Empires and occupying powers from 1650 onwards as well as, after 1840, information on stamp issues. These are divided at major moments in history though there are, naturally, substantial compromises within the broader time spans.

Where possible place names using the Latin alphabet are given their indigenous form- e.g. København (indigenous) rather than Copenhagen (in English)- to emphasize the transitory nature of governments and occupying powers during the century and a half throughout which stamps have been issued, and during which the inscriptions appearing on stamps have reflected political changes.

All seas and other water names are shown in light italic type. Maps are orientated throughout with North to the top. The exceptions to this rule bear a North point.

Currency
For nearly all territories currency tables are included in the text which show the primary denomination and currency changes since stamps were first issued there. Such denominations often appear on the stamps themselves, hence their inclusion here.