Alternative Text Description for USACE Ports

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OVERVIEW

This map displays US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) port locations throughout Florida. The map shows the distribution of ports and maritime facilities across the state, representing infrastructure for cargo handling, docking, and waterborne commerce. This thematic layer focuses specifically on USACE-managed or documented port facilities rather than comprehensive base map features.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The map covers the entire state of Florida, from the panhandle region in the northwest (including Dothan and Albany areas) to the southernmost keys near Key West. Major cities labeled on the map include Jacksonville on the northeast coast, Orlando in the central region, Tampa on the west-central coast, Cape Coral on the southwest coast, and Miami in the southeast. The map extends into portions of neighboring states including southern Georgia and Alabama in the north. The map shows Florida's distinctive peninsula shape bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of America to the west. The southern portion includes the Florida Keys extending southwest from the mainland, with the Straits of Florida labeled at the bottom of the map.

KEY INSIGHTS

USACE ports are heavily concentrated along Florida's extensive coastline, with particularly dense clusters in several key areas. The highest concentration of port facilities appears in the southeast region around Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Port Lucie, forming a nearly continuous corridor along the Atlantic coast. Another significant concentration exists along the Gulf coast near Tampa and Cape Coral. The Jacksonville area on the northeast coast shows substantial port activity, as does the Florida Panhandle region. Interior areas of Florida show minimal port presence, reflecting the coastal nature of maritime infrastructure. The distribution pattern reveals Florida's role as a major maritime state with ports distributed around virtually the entire peninsula and along both coastlines.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

USACE Ports

This layer represents US Army Corps of Engineers port locations and maritime facilities throughout Florida.

Port Facilities (red symbols with port/dock icon)

Appearance:

Small red symbols displaying a stylized port or dock icon, consisting of a horizontal line with vertical posts or pilings underneath.

Distribution:

Port facilities are distributed along the entire Florida coastline, including both the Atlantic Ocean shoreline and the Gulf of America coastline, with minimal presence in interior regions. Facilities extend along the full length of the peninsula from the panhandle to the Keys.

Notable locations:

Spatial patterns:

Port facilities follow coastal geography closely, with linear arrangements along shorelines and concentrated clusters near major metropolitan areas. The distribution reflects natural harbors, navigable waterways, and urban commercial centers. Facilities are notably absent from Florida's interior, emphasizing their dependence on water access.

Overlapping Patterns

In areas with high port density such as southeast Florida and Tampa Bay, individual port symbols appear in close proximity, indicating multiple facilities serving overlapping service areas or specialized functions within major maritime commerce zones.

SYMBOL GUIDE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This map focuses exclusively on USACE port locations and does not display other maritime features, private marinas, or non-USACE facilities that may exist in the same geographic areas. Each symbol represents a specific facility location with associated infrastructure such as cargo-handling equipment, berthing space, storage facilities, and transportation connections. The dataset includes various facility types serving different functions within the maritime transportation network. The map scale shows sufficient detail to identify individual facility locations but does not display facility boundaries or detailed infrastructure layouts.

DATA CONTEXT

Data Source:

The data is collected by the US Army Corps of Engineers through rotational on-site visits to ensure accuracy at each facility. Information includes location coordinates, facility characteristics, infrastructure details, operational data, and commodity types handled. This dataset represents a 2020 update to previous USACE port inventories. Data source layer name: ACPORT_2020.

Definition Query:

No definition query or filter criteria was applied. The map displays all USACE port facilities in the dataset.

Scale Information:

The map is displayed at a statewide scale appropriate for showing the overall distribution pattern of port facilities across Florida. Individual facility symbols are visible, but detailed infrastructure layouts are not shown at this scale.

Coordinate System:

NAD_1983_HARN_Florida_GDL_Albers (WKID 3087).

Time Period of Content:

Data collected and compiled in 2020, representing an update to the 2019 ACPORT dataset. Individual facilities may have different operational start dates as recorded in the facility attributes.

Limitations:

The map shows only USACE-documented port facilities and may not include all maritime facilities operating in Florida. Facility operational status, capacity, and services may change over time. The dataset reflects conditions as of the 2020 data collection cycle.

Map Coverage:

The map covers the entire state of Florida and portions of adjacent states (southern Georgia and Alabama) for geographic context. Coverage extends from the panhandle region to the southernmost Florida Keys and includes all coastal and navigable waterway areas where USACE port facilities are located.

The alternative text description of this map was AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies.