1955 Map of Utukok River A-3

About this map

The Utukok River meanders through this portion of the North Slope, revealing a landscape defined by its remote hydrology and topographic relief. This 1955 survey, conducted within the boundaries of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, documents the sinuous path of the river as it cuts through the arctic tundra. High ground is marked by Archimedes Ridge in the northwest, while a singular point labeled Cache suggests the minimal human presence or logistical staging typical of mid-century exploration in this region. The map was produced using photogrammetric methods from aerial photographs, reflecting the era's reliance on remote sensing to chart the vast, unsurveyed interior of the Alaska North Slope.