2010 Map of South Bird Island SE

About this map

Padre Island forms a thin, protective barrier between the mainland and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico on this 2010 coastal survey. The terrain is defined by a series of distinct coastal elevations, including Green Hill, Dagger Hill, and Big Ball Hill, which serve as landmarks along this otherwise low-lying sandy stretch. Along the shoreline, Little Shell marks a specific coastal track or route, reflecting the island's isolation and its utility for those navigating the edge of the Texas coast. This survey by the U.S. Geological Survey emphasizes the natural topographic shift of the barrier island system before any significant modern development or alteration, focusing on the primary geological features and the rhythmic interface of land and sea.