A cartographic representation displaying the waterways within the state, often including tributaries, major confluences, and surrounding geographical features. These visual aids can vary in scale and detail, ranging from simplified overviews to highly detailed hydrographic charts suitable for navigation.
These depictions serve several critical functions, including resource management, recreational planning, and historical analysis. They are vital for understanding water distribution, planning infrastructure projects, supporting outdoor activities like fishing and boating, and documenting changes in the landscape over time. Early examples provide insights into settlement patterns and transportation routes.