Sedona, AZ: Cartographers have attempted to map the complex features of the Grand Canyon for more than 150 years. Over time their equipment and techniques have changed dramatically, enabling them to capture fine details and diverse information. See the wide range of maps being used today for recreation, scientific inquiry, and land management. They are as beautiful as they are informative.
This exhibit contains approximately 50 maps of the Grand Canyon region dating from 1858 to the present, and some early and contemporary tools used by map makers to collect data.
Maps and their stories are divided into four general categories: Historical, Geological, “Working Maps”, and Recreational.
Historical maps include reproductions of the maps used by J W Powell on his expeditions (1867 & 1868), Dutton (1881), and Wheeler (1884) surveys, rainfall in arid West (1879, 1890), Ives (1858) and Birdseye (1923) expeditions, and Matthes/Evans survey (1902-1904).
Geological maps include Paleogeographic maps (Bright Angel Shale 515 Ma, Redwall Limestone 340 Ma, Coconino Sandstone 275 Ma, and Cedar Mountain Fm 125 Ma), general geology of Eastern GC (1996), Butte Fault/GC Supergroup map (2007), USGS mega-map of the geology of the GC region (present), and panels explaining how geological maps are used by engineers, resource managers, etc. in addressing current issues (e.g. water, development of infrastructure)
Working maps are made and used by NPS managers. The exhibit includes maps used to study fire, wildlife, archaeological resources, and noise from air traffic.
Recreational includes images from space (US at night re: light pollution, Landsat image, etc.), topographic quadrangles and other hiking maps, Harvey Butchart notations on Matthes topographic maps, maps & guides, Tony Hillerman’s Indian Country, Grand Canyon Adventure Game, and more.
Historic Kolb Studio
South Rim Village, Grand Canyon National Park
November 7, 2008 through February 14, 2009
Opening reception
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Reception is open to the public
Exhibits at Kolb Studio are sponsored by the Grand Canyon Association and Grand Canyon National Park. For more information on this exhibit and Grand Canyon Association and its programs, please visit our website www.grandcanyon.org or contact Helen Thompson, 928.638.7033.
Article courtesy of Helen Thompson.
Posted November 11, 2008.
