1973 Map of Wildcat Mountain NW

About this map

Wendover Air Force Range occupies much of this 1973 orthophotomap, showing the stark desert landscape of Tooele County during the height of the Cold War. Unlike traditional line-drawn topographic maps, this edition uses an orthophotomosaic base to reveal the actual texture of the ground, where the expansive Mud Flat terrain transitions between vast stretches of alkaline plains. The lack of traditional civil infrastructure underscores the area's primary role as a military testing and training ground. Researchers can observe the subtle variations in surface elevation and the precise boundaries of townships and ranges, such as R 15 W and R 14 W, which define the grid of the Great Salt Lake Desert. The imagery provides a clear look at the desolate environment that served as a critical buffer for high-security military operations.