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2016 Map of Saint Charles Bay SW

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Saint Charles Bay SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

Aransas Bay and the Gulf of Mexico dominate this coastal landscape, where the Intracoastal Waterway cuts through the shallow waters and barrier features of the Texas coastline. The map details a complex network of maritime landmarks, including the lengthy Blackjack Peninsula and several isolated landmasses such as Deadman Island and Big Island. These features are surrounded by an intricate system of oyster reefs and hazards, from Pauls Mott Reef to the oddly named Poverty Reef and Jay Bird Reef.

Maritime navigation is the central theme, with the Intracoastal Waterway providing a protected route behind the barrier islands. In the northeast, the map tracks the transition between Carlos Bay and Spalding Bight, while the community of Rockport is visible on the western shore. This document preserves the exact shoreline configuration and dredging patterns of the mid-2010s, offering a precise view of the shoals and sloughs like Vinson Slough that define this delicate estuarine environment.