2012 Map of Niland

About this map

The Salton Sea dominates the northwestern portion of this landscape, its shoreline dotted with distinctive geological features like Mullet Island, Red Hill, and Rock Hill. This 2012 survey illustrates the highly engineered agricultural environment of Imperial County, defined by a dense grid of irrigation infrastructure including the U Lateral, Vail Drain, and the Pumice Drain. The settlement of Niland serves as a local hub near the Southern Pacific tracks, while the city of Calipatria anchors the southern boundary. Between these centers, the map reveals a meticulously partitioned terrain of farm roads and drainage canals. Aviation history is noted at the Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport, while recreational access to the inland sea is indicated at the Red Hill Marina. The geometry of the canals, such as the Vail Lateral Four-A, demonstrates the complex water management required to sustain this desert basin.