A cartographic representation depicting the territorial boundaries of the United States, overlaid with the locations and shapes of significant bodies of inland water, such as the Great Lakes, natural lakes, and reservoirs. These maps serve as visual tools for understanding geographical relationships between landmasses and lacustrine environments.
Such visual aids provide crucial information for various sectors. For instance, they are essential for water resource management, enabling the analysis of water distribution and potential drought areas. These depictions are also valuable for ecological studies, illustrating the connectivity of aquatic ecosystems. Historically, they have assisted in navigation, territorial planning, and understanding patterns of settlement related to freshwater sources.
