Alternative Text Description for 2 ft. Contours (MERRICK)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OVERVIEW

This map displays LiDAR-generated 2-foot contour lines for the Herbert Hoover Dike project area in south-central Florida. The contours show detailed elevation changes across the landscape surrounding Lake Okeechobee. The map reveals topographic variation through densely packed contour lines that illustrate the subtle elevation differences characteristic of Florida's relatively flat terrain.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The map centers on Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest freshwater lake, which appears as a large open area in the center of the map. The geographic coverage extends from Okeechobee County in the north to areas near Belle Glade and Pahokee in the south, and from Hendry County in the west to Martin and Palm Beach counties in the east. Visible communities include Okeechobee, Indiantown, Belle Glade, Pahokee, Port St. Lucie (partially), Stuart, Jupiter Farms, Royal Palm Beach, and Coral Springs in the surrounding areas. The map also shows portions of neighboring areas including the St. Lucie region to the east and the Everglades to the south.

KEY INSIGHTS

The contour data reveals that the areas immediately surrounding Lake Okeechobee exhibit complex topographic patterns, with dense contour lines indicating the constructed levee system of the Herbert Hoover Dike that encircles the lake. The southern portion of the mapped area shows a more uniform distribution of contours, reflecting the gradual elevation changes characteristic of the Everglades region. The northern and eastern areas display more varied contour patterns, suggesting more topographic diversity in those regions. The western shoreline shows particularly dense contour clustering, indicating steeper elevation changes associated with the dike infrastructure.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

2-foot Contour Lines

The map displays elevation contour lines generated from LiDAR data at 2-foot intervals.

Contour Lines (tan/brown shaded areas)

Appearance: The contours are represented as tan or olive-brown shaded areas that create a continuous coverage pattern across the mapped region, with white gaps indicating areas where contour data is not present or represents water bodies.

Distribution: Contour coverage surrounds Lake Okeechobee in a ring pattern, with particularly dense coverage forming the outline of the Herbert Hoover Dike. The contours extend outward from the lake in all directions, with coverage varying in density based on topographic complexity.

Notable locations: The most prominent contour concentration forms a distinct border around Lake Okeechobee, clearly delineating the levee system. Dense contour patterns are visible near Belle Glade and Pahokee on the southern shore, around the Okeechobee area to the north, and along the western shoreline near Moore Haven.

Spatial patterns: The contours form a ring-like pattern encircling Lake Okeechobee, with the Herbert Hoover Dike creating the most prominent topographic feature. The contour density varies significantly, with tighter spacing along the dike structure indicating steeper slopes, and more dispersed patterns in the surrounding agricultural and natural areas indicating gentler terrain.

Lake Okeechobee (open area)

Appearance: Lake Okeechobee appears as a large gray open area without contour coverage in the center of the map.

Distribution: The lake occupies the central portion of the map, with an irregular but roughly circular shape.

Notable locations: The lake spans approximately from Okeechobee in the north to Belle Glade and Pahokee in the south, serving as the primary geographic reference point for the entire mapped area.

Spatial patterns: The lake's boundaries are clearly defined by the surrounding contour coverage, which creates a distinct edge where the water body meets the terrestrial landscape and levee system.

SYMBOL GUIDE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This map represents highly detailed topographic data collected specifically for the Herbert Hoover Dike project, which is a critical flood control structure encircling Lake Okeechobee. The 2-foot contour interval provides fine-scale elevation detail appropriate for engineering and infrastructure planning. The contour coverage focuses on the dike structure and immediately surrounding areas, which are essential for flood management and lake water level control. The map shows contour data as a continuous coverage layer rather than individual contour lines, which creates the shaded appearance visible in the image.

DATA CONTEXT

Data Source: The contour data was generated from LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) remote sensing technology collected by MERRICK for the Herbert Hoover Dike project. LiDAR provides highly accurate elevation measurements through aerial laser scanning.

Data source layer name: TOPO2FT_MERRICK

Definition Query: No definition query or filtering criteria was applied to this layer.

Scale Information: The map displays a regional view appropriate for showing the full extent of Lake Okeechobee and the Herbert Hoover Dike system. The 2-foot contour interval provides detailed elevation information suitable for engineering analysis and infrastructure planning at scales where fine topographic detail is meaningful.

Coordinate System: NAD_1983_HARN_Florida_GDL_Albers (WKID 3087)

Time Period of Content: The specific collection date for this LiDAR data is not provided in the available information.

Limitations: Coverage appears to be concentrated on the Herbert Hoover Dike infrastructure and immediate surrounding areas. Some peripheral areas shown on the base map may not have corresponding contour coverage. The accuracy and currency of the data depend on the LiDAR collection date, which is not specified in the provided information.

Map Coverage: The map extends from Okeechobee County in the north to northern Broward County in the south, and from Hendry County in the west to portions of Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach counties in the east. The primary focus is Lake Okeechobee and the Herbert Hoover Dike system, with surrounding context provided for geographic orientation.

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