Mapped History of Manhattan's Waterways

Interactive maps of Manhattan from 1865 and 2008 are overlayed in this piece from The New York Moon that discusses the history of the island's waterways.

1 minute read

January 15, 2009, 8:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"Beneath New York's lattices of concrete, iron and landfill lie dozens of organic waterways. Using data from an 1865 sanitation map and contemporary satellite photographs, this projection depicts Manhattan as a vascular organ, whose obscure operation has had a powerful bearing on the fate of the city."

"Created for the department of sanitation, the map was a reminder that natural water systems, entombed beneath modern accumulations, hidden from view, could still have monumental effects on the functioning of city life. Indeed, structural engineers and city planners continue to consult the Viele map as the authoritative survey of Manhattan's water systems."

"In overlaying this map with a recent projection based on satellite photographs, this map seeks to continue to probe the relationship between the terrain we walk and the watery ateries below."

Thanks to BLDGBLOG

FULL STORY: Water Systems of Manhattan

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 in The New York Moon

Environment History / Preservation Infrastructure New York Water Manhattan View More

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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