A geographical representation delineating the continental United States’ significant bodies of freshwater and flowing waterways. This cartographic resource depicts the spatial distribution of natural lakes, reservoirs, and major rivers, providing visual information about their location, interconnectedness, and relative size. Examples include maps highlighting the Great Lakes region, the Mississippi River watershed, or the Columbia River basin.
The visual portrayal of these hydrographic features offers substantial benefits across diverse fields. Navigation, resource management, environmental studies, and infrastructure planning rely heavily on the information provided. Historically, such depictions were crucial for westward expansion, facilitating exploration and trade. Modern iterations aid in understanding hydrological cycles, assessing water availability, and mitigating flood risks.