1953 Map of Emery 4 SE

About this map

San Rafael Swell dominates this mid-century topographic study, revealing the intricate drainage patterns and geological upheaval of the central Utah desert. The terrain is characterized by dramatic elevation shifts and deep erosional cuts, most notably where Johns Canyon carves through the landscape. This 1953 survey, derived from aerial photography, captures the area during an era when scientific mapping was transitioning to multiplex methods to record remote wilderness. The boundary with Wayne Co at the southern edge of the sheet marks the transition between administrative districts in a region defined by its lack of permanent settlements. The map's dense contour lines illustrate the complex folds and ridges that make up the San Rafael Swell, providing a precise look at the landforms before modern road development altered accessibility to these interior canyons.