1955 Map of Mt. Michelson D-4

About this map

Canning River defines the western edge of this vast northern landscape, where the braided waterways of the North Slope meet the foothills of the Brooks Range. The 1955 photogrammetry reveals the intricate drainage patterns of the Staines River and the complex delta systems characteristic of this arctic environment. Much of the territory shown is protected within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, reflecting the region's status as a critical conservation area shortly after its establishment. The lack of human settlements or infrastructure emphasizes the untouched character of the terrain during this mid-century survey, providing an essential record of the natural topography before modern resource exploration intensified in the broader region.