2012 Map of Great Point

About this map

Great Point marks the northernmost tip of Nantucket, reaching into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This 2012 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey focuses on the thin, sandy spit that defines the edge of the harbor. The most prominent landmark is the Nantucket Light, which stands as a critical navigational aid for vessels rounding this dangerous point. To the north, the label Point Rip indicates the presence of turbulent waters where currents collide over shifting shoals. The southern edge of the map identifies The Galls, a narrow stretch of the peninsula subject to the relentless forces of coastal erosion and overwash. This map primarily illustrates the maritime geography of this isolated coastal environment, emphasizing the relationship between fixed aids to navigation and the ever-changing shoreline.