2012 Map of Iris

About this map

The settlement of Iris and the surrounding Imperial County desert floor are defined by a complex network of man-made waterways essential to the region's agricultural viability. The Coachella Canal and E Highline Canal dominate the landscape, cutting through the terrain with a system of siphons, including Siphon Six and Siphon Five. These features illustrate the intensive engineering required to manage water distribution in this arid environment. The map details a rigid grid of roads and lateral ditches, such as Niland-Pegleg Well Rd and the R Side Main Canal, which support localized hubs like Flowing Wells. This infrastructure highlights the transition from raw desert to a highly managed industrial landscape. The presence of Flowing Wls suggests the importance of subsurface water resources alongside the primary canal system, providing a technical look at the logistics of desert habitation and farming.