- Title: Topography (Harris County, Texas) Spring Quadrangle
- Author: U.S. Geological Survey
- Date: 1920
- Condition: Very good - Age related toning
- Inches: 15 x 17 1/4 [Image]
- Centimeters: 38.10 x 43.81 [Image]
- Product ID: 308424
This topographic survey of the Spring Quadrangle in Harris County, Texas, produced by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the state and local authorities. The map, labeled as a "Preliminary Edition" and "Unsurveyed Area," dates from the early 20th century and depicts the terrain, hydrography, and infrastructure of the region as it was at that time. Contour lines illustrate changes in elevation, with green shading denoting areas of woodland or brush and lighter tones indicating open land. The map details natural features such as creeks and valleys, as well as man-made elements including roads, railways, and scattered settlements. The northern boundary abuts Montgomery County, and the southern portion shows the approach to the community of Spring. The map’s scale is 1:62,500, providing a detailed representation suitable for land management, planning, and historical reference.
Background on Creator
Created by Congress on March 3, 1879, the USGS was originally dedicated to exploring the geology and mineral potential of western lands. The USGS revolutionized surveying. Before the USGS was formed, most mapping in the United States was done by military expeditions and several independent government surveys. Upon its creation, the USGS established a comprehensive approach to surveying and worked to classify public lands by examining their geological structure, mineral resources, and products. This scientific appraisal of land potential and mineral resources changed the way government approached surveying. It also encouraged conservation, economic expansion, and more efficient development across the nation.
The USGS has been making topographic maps of Texas since the 1880s. The early maps show roads, towns and settlements, and political boundaries, though the physical features are only generalized. Advances in the field of geology enabled scientists to determine the nature of the rocks and minerals that make up the earth and specify how they were formed. Additionally, scientists were better able to identify coal, oil, and gas resources and assess their potential for development.