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1982 Map of Pearsonville

Name: 1982 Topographic Map of Pearsonville
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

Lava flows dominate the northern terrain of this high-desert landscape where the boundary between Inyo Co and Kern Co cuts through the western flats. The small settlement of Pearsonville sits at the edge of the Indian Wells Valley, characterized by its Auto Race Track and proximity to the vast restricted lands of the China Lake Naval Weapons Center. This military presence is marked by numerous specialized features, including a series of Target Areas, Obs Twrs, and an Asphalt Pad.

Surface water is notably absent, with the geography defined by the expansive Dry Lake and various drainage systems like Eph Wash. Mapping of the era highlights the infrastructure of the weapons center, showing a grid of unimproved roads and technical sites such as a Sub Station and Water Well. The contrast between the volcanic northern heights and the developed military valley floor illustrates the mid-century intersection of natural desert features and strategic defense installations.