1976 Map of El Centro

About this map

El Centro and Imperial anchor this orthophotoquad, which showcases the geometric agricultural landscape of the Imperial Valley in the mid-1970s. The dense patchwork of fields is defined by an intricate irrigation system, including the Central Main Canal and the Dogwood Canal. This map, produced in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service, uses aerial photography to reveal the intensive land use required to sustain desert farming. The stark contrast between the structured city grids and the sprawling rectangular agricultural blocks highlights the region's total dependence on man-made water distribution. Researchers can observe the physical footprint of the city centers as they existed just before the turn of the decade, captured through the lens of scanning technology and overhead imagery.