4.1.2. USGS maps 
The US Geological Survey (USGS) National Mapping Program publishes a variety of multipurpose 
maps to serve all map users. In addition to published maps, basic map data and open-file map 
byproducts are available (Table 5). These include aerial photographs, satellite images, advance 
and reproducible map materials, geodetic control data, geographic-names data, status maps, 
microfilm map copies, and map data in digital form. Listings of these maps are available for 
each state. 
4.2. Coast Pilot 
The Coast Pilot books cover navigation regulations, outstanding landmarks, channel and 
anchorages, peculiarities, dangers, weather, routes, pilotages and port facilities. Coast Pilot 
no. 4 covers Cape Henry to Key West and No. 5 the Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Virgin 
Islands. These publications are updated annually. 
The 1897 and 1901 coast pilot guides, published by the Coast and Geodetic Survey (CGS) (1897 
and 1901), have the following description of Florida Bay: 
‘Florida Bay is the large, shallow body of water lying between the south coast of the 
mainland of Florida and the Florida Keys, and extending, in E. and W. direction, from 
Cape Sable to Barnes Sound. The eastern and greater part of this bay is full of ridges 
and reefs which show bare, or nearly bare, and there are also a large number of small 
wooded keys: this part is only navigable for small flat-bottomed craft. The western 
part is comparatively clear, the depth of water ranging from 7 to 13 feet, and vessels 
of 7 feet draft, bound to the Gulf of Mexico from the Hawk Channel, can enter the Bay 
of Florida through Moser Channel instead of passing through Key West Harbor, and thus 
shorten the distances to Cape Romano and Cape Sable by about 45 to 70 miles 
respectively: but the passage through Moser Channel requires some local knowledge, as 
there are no aids to assist a stranger. The bay is only frequented by spongers, and the 
inhabitants of the keys, who generally use flat-bottomed craft of 3 to 4 feet draft. 
There are no towns or villages on the shores of the bay.‘ 
The 1908 edition of the guide added the following information (Coast and Geodetic Survey, 
1908). 
"The bay is only frequented by yachts, spongers, fishermen, and the inhabitants of the 
keys, who generally use flat-bottomed craft of 3 to 4 feet draft. The post village of 
Flamingo is on the shore of the bay, about 7 miles east of East Cape." 
The 1916 edition of the coast pilot guide contained descriptions of the Bay bottom and water 
characteristics. 
"The depths are shallow and irregular, and the bottom is mostly coral, with a thin 
covering of silt in the eastern part. From April to October the waters of the bay are 
clear and the shoals plainly discernible, but during the winter months the water is 
milky and the shoals indistinguishable. 
"The western part of the bay is comparatively clear, with depths ranging from 7 to 13 
feet, and the bottom is covered with loggerhead sponges and small coral heads." 
The coast pilot editions also contain descriptions of the status of navigational aids such as light 
houses and beacons, bridges, the strength and behavior of tide flow through the channels 
