1986 Map of Bitter Spring

About this map

Bitter Spring serves as a critical desert water source within the expansive high-desert terrain of the Fort Irwin Military Reservation. This 1986 survey reflects the landscape during a period of significant military activity, where topographic contours define the basin-and-range geography. The map reveals the infrastructure required for such a remote installation, specifically the heavy Trans Lines that cut diagonally across the desert floor. These corridors of movement and resource management highlight the functional nature of the Mojave landscape during the late twentieth century, showing the intersection of natural springs and modern military utility. The area is marked by a complex network of benchmarks and elevation points, which were essential for mapping and tactical operations in San Bernardino County.