How can I add a location to the Atlas?

Thank you for considering adding a location to the Atlas! It is easy and straightforward – here is how you can create a submission in 4 steps:

  1. Navigate to our map, and click the “Add a location button” in the top right corner. This opens a submission form.
  2. Enter the basic information (if you have any) about the artwork. We love as much details as possible, such as a title, short description, year of creation/the creator and additional background info.
  3. Add the coordinates of the artwork. There are several easy ways to find this!
  4. Upload a picture and click submit.
Tutorial video – how to add a location

Your entry will then be reviewed and verified by our colleagues. Once we have finished the verification, your new addition will be visible on the map!

Requirements for a submission

The Atlas Sovieticus has set a scope that’s enforced quite strictly. The reason for this is to not dilute the focus of this project. We currently include:

  • Monumental artworks within and beyond the USSR. While we don’t have geographical limits (we include locations beyond the USSR, such as socialist satellite states), artworks must have a relation to the USSR.
  • All sorts of monumental artworks, but the main focus are mosaics, sgraffito and bas-reliefs. Stained glass windows, large mural paintings and other types of art (woodwork, tapestry, metalwork, etc.) are also included but with a lesser focus.
  • Monuments, city signs and Soviet bus stops that are artistically decorated or designed. This means that they must be decorated with a mosaic, bas-relief, and so on to be eligible. Regular second world war monuments usually aren’t artistically decorated, so these don’t fit the bill. Neither are lenin monuments.
  • We only include notable artworks, so submissions that are very small or simple may be denied.

Finding the coordinates of a location

  1. On our map:
    • Dektop: right-click anywhere on the map to open a coordinates pop-up. To copy the coordinates, click the black button
    • Mobile: tap-and-hold anywhere on the map to open the coordinates pop-up. To copy the coordinates, click the black button
  2. On Google Maps:
    • Desktop: Right-click on any spot to see the coordinates in the context menu.
    • Mobile (app): long tap on any spot to drop a marker, open up the locations’ information window by extending the bottom part of the screen, and there you’ll find the coordinates
  3. On Yandex Maps:
    • Desktop: Right-click on the location, choose “What’s here?” and the coordinates will appear in the info window.
    • Mobile (app): Tap-and-hold on any location until some information about your point on the map – including the coordinates – appear.
Tutorial video – how to find coordinates

You an then paste the copied numbers (coordinates) into the Latitude and Longitude fields when adding a location. We accept both Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (DMS) and Decimal degrees (DD) formats!