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1970 Map of Beechey Point B-3 SE

Name: 1970 Topographic Map of Beechey Point B-3 SE
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1971
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1971

About this map

Prudhoe Bay and the surrounding Arctic tundra are captured here during a pivotal moment of industrial development in 1970. This orthophotomap, based on aerial photography from that June, shows the early infrastructure of the North Slope oil fields, including the Prudhoe Bay Airfield and the emerging Pipeline network. The landscape is dominated by the braided delta of the Sagavanirktok River and the meandering Putuligayuk River, set against the coastal features of Heald Point and the Niakuk Islands.

Notable early industrial landmarks such as Drill Site 2, Drill Site 4, and the Prudhoe Dock reflect the massive engineering effort taking place. Traditional geographical markers like Prudhoe Mound and Gull Island contrast with specialized facilities like the Pumping Station and several storage pads. This survey documents the transition from a remote wilderness to a major energy production hub just as the modern infrastructure began to take shape.