1955 Map of Barter Island A-4

About this map

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge dominates the landscape of this coastal survey, where the terrestrial wilderness meets the cold waters of the Beaufort Sea. This 1955 photogrammetric study, updated through the 1980s, reveals a dynamic shoreline of barrier spits and shallow basins including Jago Lagoon, Tapkaurak Lagoon, and Oruktalik Lagoon. The hydrological patterns are defined by braided arctic waterways such as the Jago River, Niguarak River, and John River, which deposit sediment along the coast to form features like Jago Spit. Located within the North Slope Borough, the area shows no roads or trails, illustrating a preserve where geography is dictated by seasonal ice, river flow, and points of land like Martin Point and Griffin Point.