1977 Map of Great Point

About this map

Great Point marks the northernmost extent of the long, shifting barrier beach system that protects the northeastern shore of Nantucket Island. This 1977 orthophotoquad provides an unvarnished aerial view of the island's narrow eastern arm, where the waters of Nantucket Sound meet the open Atlantic Ocean. The imagery reveals the complex coastal geomorphology of the area, specifically the sandy reaches near Coskata and the southern entry point at Wauwinet. Unlike a traditional topographic map, this photographic survey documents the exact state of the vegetation and shoreline as they appeared during the late 1970s, offering a clear record of the sand spits and tidal inlets that characterize this dynamic maritime environment.