1975 Map of Palm Springs

About this map

Palm Springs is shown here during a period of significant mid-century expansion, captured through orthophotoimagery that reveals the sharp contrast between the dense residential grids of the desert floor and the steep rising shadows of the San Jacinto mountains. The Whitewater River defines the northeastern boundary of the developed area, while the interior of the town is bisected by the diagonal path of Tahquitz Creek. This 1975 survey, produced in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service, provides an aerial perspective on the urban layout, including the prominent runways of the Palm Springs Airport and the seasonal drainages like Palm Canyon Wash. The map documents the intricate patterns of golf courses, swimming pools, and planned subdivisions that transformed this arid landscape into a major resort destination.