A visible illustration showcasing the geographical structure of a metropolis located in western Colorado, serving as a navigational and informational software. It delineates streets, landmarks, factors of curiosity, and limits inside that particular municipal space, offering spatial context for understanding its association.
Such depictions are very important for quite a few causes. They help in wayfinding, permitting people to effectively navigate the city setting. In addition they facilitate city planning, offering a base for infrastructure growth and useful resource allocation. Moreover, they provide historic context by illustrating the town’s evolution over time, showcasing adjustments in its construction and limits. These representations are helpful for residents, vacationers, and companies alike.
The next sections will delve into the assorted forms of cartographic representations out there for this space, exploring their particular functionalities and use circumstances. Additional dialogue will deal with each bodily and digital variations, highlighting the benefits and limitations of every format. We may also look at how such instruments are utilized by completely different sectors, from tourism to emergency companies.
1. Streets
The depiction of streets is prime to any cartographic illustration of Grand Junction, Colorado. Streets represent the first framework for city navigation, enabling the motion of individuals, items, and companies all through the town. Their correct illustration on a map is essential for finding addresses, planning routes, and understanding the connectivity of various areas. The absence of exact avenue particulars renders the map ineffective for sensible use. For instance, emergency companies depend on correct avenue maps to effectively reply to incidents, whereas supply companies depend upon them to optimize routes and guarantee well timed deliveries.
Moreover, the traits of streets, reminiscent of their names, instructions (one-way streets), and classifications (residential, arterial, freeway), are very important particulars conveyed by a complete avenue map. Site visitors patterns, pedestrian walkways, and bicycle lanes, typically built-in into avenue mapping, contribute to general transportation planning and security. An in depth depiction of streets may also reveal insights into the town’s historic growth and concrete planning methods. As an illustration, the grid sample of downtown Grand Junction is instantly obvious via its avenue structure, reflecting a deliberate strategy to city growth.
In abstract, the connection between streets and a cartographic depiction of Grand Junction, Colorado, is inextricable. Correct and detailed avenue data is paramount for a purposeful and informative map. This accuracy immediately impacts varied sectors, starting from emergency response to on a regular basis navigation, highlighting the sensible significance of exact avenue illustration. The challenges related to avenue mapping contain conserving tempo with city development, making certain knowledge accuracy, and successfully speaking complicated data in a transparent and accessible format.
2. Landmarks
Landmarks are integral to any cartographic illustration of Grand Junction, Colorado, functioning as readily identifiable reference factors that improve navigation and spatial understanding. Their inclusion on a map gives speedy context, permitting customers to rapidly orient themselves and estimate distances. The absence of distinguished landmarks compromises a map’s usability, rising the issue in pinpointing places and planning environment friendly routes. With out these visible cues, customers should rely solely on avenue names and numerical addresses, considerably rising the cognitive load and potential for navigational errors.
Particular examples inside Grand Junction illustrate this level successfully. The inclusion of the Colorado Nationwide Monument, as an example, serves not solely as a major geographical characteristic but in addition as a readily recognizable landmark for these navigating the western approaches to the town. Equally, the placement of St. Mary’s Hospital or Colorado Mesa College assists in orienting people throughout the city core. These landmarks, whether or not pure or man-made, act as anchors, facilitating environment friendly motion and decreasing the reliance on detailed street-level navigation. Cartographic illustration of landmarks permits location-based companies, reminiscent of navigation apps, by offering secure reference factors for geotagging and placement identification.
The sensible significance of precisely depicting landmarks extends past easy navigation. Emergency companies depend on them to rapidly find incident scenes, significantly in areas with complicated avenue layouts. City planners make the most of landmark data to grasp inhabitants density and assess the impression of recent developments. In abstract, correct landmark illustration on a cartographic software of Grand Junction is significant for navigation, planning, and emergency response. Challenges related to landmark mapping embrace sustaining up-to-date data in a dynamic city setting and successfully differentiating between varied forms of landmarks primarily based on their prominence and relevance.
3. Boundaries
The delineation of boundaries is a basic side of any cartographic illustration of Grand Junction, Colorado. These demarcations outline the spatial extent of the town’s jurisdiction and its constituent areas, impacting governance, useful resource allocation, and authorized frameworks. The omission or inaccurate illustration of those limits renders the map incomplete and probably deceptive for varied purposes.
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Municipal Boundaries
The outer limits of Grand Junction’s administrative space are essential for figuring out which properties fall underneath its jurisdiction. These boundaries affect taxation, zoning laws, and the supply of municipal companies reminiscent of water, sewage, and waste administration. Discrepancies in boundary illustration can result in disputes over property possession and entry to companies.
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Neighborhood Boundaries
Inside Grand Junction, distinct neighborhoods typically possess distinctive traits and identities. Defining these areas on a cartographic illustration facilitates neighborhood planning, native governance, and the evaluation of demographic traits. Whereas some neighborhood boundaries are formally acknowledged, others are extra fluid, primarily based on native notion and customary utilization. Their correct illustration aids in fostering neighborhood id and efficient city planning.
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Particular District Boundaries
Particular districts, reminiscent of fireplace safety districts, college districts, and water districts, function independently inside Grand Junction’s geographical space. Their boundaries typically overlap or prolong past the municipal limits. Mapping these districts is important for understanding service provision areas, useful resource allocation, and taxation duties. Inaccurate portrayal of those zones results in confusion and potential gaps in service protection.
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Property Boundaries
Particular person property strains represent the smallest scale of boundaries represented on detailed cartographic depictions of Grand Junction. These strains, derived from surveys and authorized data, outline the extent of personal possession and affect constructing laws, easements, and property transactions. Correct illustration of property strains ensures authorized readability and prevents boundary disputes.
The correct illustration of those varied forms of boundaries on a cartographic illustration is paramount for efficient governance, planning, and authorized certainty inside Grand Junction, Colorado. From defining municipal jurisdiction to delineating property possession, boundaries are foundational parts that allow environment friendly administration and equitable useful resource distribution. Their exact depiction on any mapping product is subsequently important.
4. Elevation
Elevation knowledge is a vital element of any complete cartographic illustration of Grand Junction, Colorado, considerably influencing the utility and accuracy of such maps. The terrain round Grand Junction varies significantly, from the comparatively flat valley flooring alongside the Colorado River to the steeper slopes approaching the Guide Cliffs and the Grand Mesa. This variation in elevation immediately impacts quite a few points of the town and its surrounding space, thus making its correct depiction on a map very important for knowledgeable decision-making. Failure to precisely painting elevation would result in an incomplete understanding of the area’s bodily traits, affecting planning, engineering, and navigation.
The significance of elevation knowledge is especially evident in infrastructure planning. For instance, the design and development of roads, bridges, and drainage techniques necessitate exact information of the terrain’s contours and gradients. Incorrect elevation knowledge can lead to poorly designed infrastructure, resulting in elevated development prices, potential security hazards, and environmental harm. Actual-world examples in Grand Junction illustrate this level. The alignment of roadways like Monument Street or Patterson Street is immediately influenced by the native topography; an correct understanding of elevation is important for making certain correct drainage and minimizing slope instability. Equally, the position of water infrastructure and sewer strains requires consideration of elevation to facilitate environment friendly circulation and forestall backflow issues. Emergency companies rely closely on elevation knowledge for strategic deployment and useful resource allocation throughout floods or wildfires, widespread occurrences within the Grand Junction space.
In conclusion, correct elevation illustration on cartographic instruments of Grand Junction is indispensable for varied purposes, starting from infrastructure growth to emergency administration. This factor gives a vital understanding of the terrain, influencing decision-making throughout numerous sectors. Challenges related to elevation mapping embrace buying high-resolution knowledge, sustaining knowledge foreign money, and successfully conveying three-dimensional data on a two-dimensional floor. Addressing these challenges ensures the reliability and utility of Grand Junction’s cartographic sources.
5. Zip Codes
Zip codes are essential geographic identifiers that improve the performance and utility of any cartographic illustration of Grand Junction, Colorado. They act as a bridge between spatial knowledge and postal service operations, influencing every little thing from mail supply effectivity to demographic evaluation. Integrating these codes right into a map permits for exact location-based companies and a deeper understanding of the town’s construction.
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Supply Routing Effectivity
Zip codes facilitate the environment friendly routing of mail and packages inside Grand Junction. By assigning particular geographical areas to distinct codes, postal companies can optimize supply routes, decreasing transportation time and prices. With out zip code integration, mapping purposes would lack a crucial layer of knowledge for logistical planning. As an illustration, figuring out the boundaries of the 81501 zip code permits supply firms to effectively plan routes within the downtown space.
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Demographic Evaluation
Zip codes function statistical items for demographic evaluation. Knowledge collected on the zip code stage, reminiscent of inhabitants density, revenue ranges, and housing traits, gives insights into the socioeconomic composition of various areas inside Grand Junction. When overlaid on a map, this knowledge can reveal patterns of inequality, inform city planning initiatives, and information useful resource allocation selections. For instance, evaluating demographic knowledge for the 81504 and 81507 zip codes reveals differing socioeconomic profiles that affect neighborhood growth methods.
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Emergency Service Response
Zip codes help within the environment friendly deployment of emergency companies. By linking incident places to particular zip codes, dispatchers can rapidly determine the suitable response items and estimate journey occasions. That is significantly essential in densely populated areas or areas with complicated avenue layouts. In Grand Junction, understanding the zip code of an emergency permits responders to entry related details about the realm, reminiscent of avenue closures or potential hazards.
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Enterprise and Advertising Functions
Companies make the most of zip code knowledge for focused advertising and marketing campaigns and web site choice. By analyzing the demographic traits of various zip code areas, firms can tailor their services and products to satisfy native demand. Mapping zip codes alongside buyer knowledge permits companies to determine underserved markets and optimize their distribution networks. For instance, a retailer may use zip code-level knowledge to find out the optimum location for a brand new retailer in Grand Junction, primarily based on elements like inhabitants density and median revenue.
In abstract, zip codes are an indispensable element of contemporary cartographic representations of Grand Junction. Their integration enhances navigation, permits demographic evaluation, facilitates emergency response, and helps enterprise operations. By connecting spatial knowledge to postal service infrastructure, zip codes unlock a wealth of knowledge that contributes to a extra complete understanding of the town.
6. Factors of Curiosity
The efficient cartographic illustration of Grand Junction, Colorado, necessitates the correct and complete depiction of factors of curiosity (POIs). These places, encompassing landmarks, leisure areas, business institutions, and civic establishments, enrich a map’s utility by offering recognizable references for navigation, exploration, and repair accessibility. The absence of POIs diminishes a map’s practicality, remodeling it right into a naked depiction of streets and limits, devoid of contextual data vital for a lot of real-world purposes. The inclusion of POIs immediately impacts consumer expertise, enabling people to rapidly determine desired places and plan routes effectively. As an illustration, figuring out the placement of the Colorado Mesa College campus, St. Mary’s Medical Heart, or the Mesa Mall simplifies navigation for college students, sufferers, and customers, respectively. With out these POIs clearly marked, customers rely solely on avenue addresses, a much less intuitive and probably error-prone methodology.
The sensible software of POI knowledge extends past primary navigation. Emergency companies make the most of POI data to swiftly find incident scenes, particularly in complicated city environments or areas unfamiliar to responders. Vacationer data facilities leverage POI-enriched maps to advertise native points of interest, supporting the tourism trade. City planners depend on POI knowledge to research patterns of growth, assess accessibility to important companies, and inform zoning selections. Moreover, POI knowledge facilitates the creation of location-based companies, reminiscent of cell apps that present real-time details about close by eating places, fuel stations, or points of interest. Actual-world examples embrace mapping purposes that spotlight native companies alongside Primary Avenue in downtown Grand Junction or figuring out close by mountain climbing trails within the Colorado Nationwide Monument. The correct classification and categorization of POIs (e.g., distinguishing between eating places, resorts, and parks) additional enhances a map’s performance, enabling customers to filter and prioritize data primarily based on their particular wants.
In conclusion, the great illustration of POIs is an indispensable factor of any cartographic software of Grand Junction, Colorado. The inclusion of POIs transforms a easy avenue map right into a dynamic and informative useful resource that helps navigation, emergency response, tourism, city planning, and location-based companies. The challenges related to POI mapping embrace sustaining up-to-date data, making certain knowledge accuracy, and successfully managing the density of POIs in densely populated areas. Addressing these challenges is essential to maximise the utility and reliability of cartographic sources in Grand Junction.
7. Public Transit
Public transit integration is paramount for a complete cartographic illustration of Grand Junction, Colorado. The inclusion of bus routes, stops, and schedules transforms a static geographical depiction right into a dynamic software for city mobility, reflecting the town’s dedication to accessible transportation and sustainable dwelling. This integration immediately enhances the map’s utility for residents, guests, and concrete planners alike.
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Route Visualization
The visible depiction of bus routes on a map of Grand Junction permits customers to readily determine transportation choices between completely different places. This facilitates route planning, enabling people to decide on probably the most environment friendly mode of transport and estimate journey occasions. Clear route strains and distinctive color-coding improve readability and decrease confusion. Examples embrace highlighting the mounted routes serving residential areas and business hubs, permitting customers to rapidly assess the connectivity between completely different components of the town. That is very important for these with out private automobiles or these looking for environmentally aware transport choices.
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Cease Location Identification
Correct marking of bus cease places is important for customers to entry the general public transit system. Maps ought to clearly point out cease placements, together with accessibility data for people with disabilities. Every cease must be exactly positioned, ideally with related facilities reminiscent of shelters or benches famous. In Grand Junction, this contains bus stops alongside closely trafficked corridors like North Avenue or these located close to main factors of curiosity reminiscent of St. Mary’s Hospital or Colorado Mesa College, all of which must be readily identifiable on the cartographic software.
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Schedule Integration
Integrating real-time schedule data, the place possible, considerably enhances the utility of a public transit map. This may be achieved via dynamic overlays or hyperlinks to exterior scheduling companies. Customers can entry up-to-date data on bus arrival occasions, delays, and repair disruptions, enabling them to make knowledgeable journey selections. This characteristic enhances the consumer expertise and promotes higher reliance on public transit, thereby decreasing site visitors congestion and selling sustainability. For instance, a map displaying the projected arrival time of the subsequent bus at a particular cease close to the Grand Junction Regional Airport can be invaluable to vacationers.
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Accessibility Info
A complete transit map contains accessibility knowledge, indicating which routes and stops are wheelchair-accessible or geared up with different options for people with disabilities. This ensures that the general public transit system is inclusive and out there to all members of the neighborhood. Figuring out accessible routes permits passengers with mobility limitations to plan their journeys successfully, selling equal entry to employment, schooling, and leisure alternatives inside Grand Junction. Clear symbols and labeling point out accessibility options at every bus cease on the map.
The excellent incorporation of public transit knowledge right into a cartographic illustration of Grand Junction transforms a traditional map right into a dynamic software that helps sustainable city mobility, empowers knowledgeable journey selections, and promotes accessibility for all residents. By visualizing routes, figuring out stops, integrating schedules, and displaying accessibility data, a public transit map turns into an indispensable useful resource for navigating the town’s transportation community.
8. Geographic Coordinates
Geographic coordinates, particularly latitude and longitude, type the elemental framework upon which any cartographic illustration of Grand Junction, Colorado, is constructed. These coordinates present a novel and absolute reference for each level throughout the metropolis’s boundaries. The accuracy of the map immediately depends on the precision of the underlying coordinate system. Incorrect geographic coordinates would end in a distorted or misaligned depiction, rendering the map unreliable for navigation, planning, and evaluation. For instance, a focal point, such because the Mesa County Courthouse, has a particular latitude and longitude. Precisely plotting these coordinates on the map ensures that the courthouse is displayed in its right location relative to different options, reminiscent of streets and parks.
The sensible purposes of geographic coordinates along with a cartographic depiction are quite a few and numerous. Emergency companies make the most of coordinate knowledge to rapidly find incident scenes, particularly in areas with complicated avenue layouts or restricted visible references. Surveyors depend on exact coordinate measurements to determine property boundaries and guarantee authorized compliance. Navigation techniques, each in-vehicle and cell, use geographic coordinates to supply real-time steerage and route optimization. City planners leverage coordinate-based mapping to research demographic traits, assess the impression of recent developments, and inform infrastructure investments. Moreover, companies use geographic coordinates for web site choice, focused advertising and marketing, and logistical planning. Every of those purposes relies upon upon the provision and accuracy of coordinate knowledge throughout the Grand Junction map.
In abstract, geographic coordinates usually are not merely an ancillary characteristic however the very basis of a dependable cartographic illustration of Grand Junction, Colorado. Their precision immediately impacts the map’s utility for navigation, emergency response, planning, and enterprise purposes. Whereas challenges exist in sustaining coordinate accuracy on account of elements like GPS errors and knowledge processing limitations, addressing these challenges is essential for making certain the continued relevance and effectiveness of mapping sources throughout the neighborhood.
9. Utilities
The correct mapping of utilities is a crucial element of any complete cartographic illustration of Grand Junction, Colorado. Utilities, encompassing important companies reminiscent of water, sewer, electrical energy, pure fuel, and telecommunications, underpin the functioning of the town. Their geographical distribution and infrastructure networks should be exactly documented to facilitate efficient upkeep, emergency response, and concrete planning. The absence of detailed utility data from a map diminishes its worth for professionals concerned in infrastructure administration, development, and public security. As an illustration, understanding the exact location of underground fuel pipelines is important for stopping excavation harm and making certain the security of development employees and residents.
In Grand Junction, utility mapping performs a vital function in managing the town’s ageing infrastructure. Correct maps allow utility firms to rapidly determine and deal with leaks, outages, and different system failures. Throughout emergencies, reminiscent of pure disasters or infrastructure breaches, detailed utility maps are indispensable for coordinating response efforts and minimizing disruption to important companies. Moreover, utility mapping is important for city growth tasks, permitting planners to keep away from conflicts between new development and current infrastructure. For instance, when planning a brand new housing growth, correct utility maps are wanted to find out the placement of current water and sewer strains, making certain that new connections may be made with out disrupting service to current prospects. These maps additionally help in figuring out potential environmental hazards related to underground utilities.
In conclusion, the combination of correct utility knowledge right into a cartographic illustration of Grand Junction just isn’t merely a fascinating characteristic however a vital requirement for efficient metropolis administration and infrastructure upkeep. Utility mapping helps environment friendly emergency response, knowledgeable city planning, and the prevention of pricey infrastructure harm. Whereas challenges exist in sustaining up-to-date utility maps because of the dynamic nature of underground infrastructure and the complexity of knowledge acquisition, overcoming these challenges is important to make sure the reliability and security of Grand Junction’s important companies.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to cartographic representations of the Grand Junction, Colorado, space. These questions and solutions intention to supply readability and improve understanding of assorted mapping sources out there.
Query 1: What forms of maps can be found for Grand Junction, Colorado?
Grand Junction maps exist in varied codecs, together with avenue maps, topographic maps, zoning maps, and utility maps. Avenue maps depict roads, landmarks, and factors of curiosity. Topographic maps illustrate elevation adjustments and pure options. Zoning maps delineate land use laws. Utility maps showcase the placement of underground infrastructure.
Query 2: The place can correct maps of Grand Junction be obtained?
Dependable sources for maps of Grand Junction embrace the Metropolis of Grand Junction’s official web site, the Mesa County GIS Division, business map suppliers, and on-line mapping companies. It’s advisable to confirm the supply and date of any map to make sure its accuracy.
Query 3: How typically are maps of Grand Junction up to date?
The frequency of map updates varies relying on the map sort and the company accountable. Avenue maps are sometimes up to date yearly, whereas extra specialised maps, reminiscent of zoning maps, could also be up to date much less steadily. Digital mapping companies usually provide extra frequent updates than printed maps.
Query 4: What elements affect the accuracy of a Grand Junction map?
A number of elements have an effect on map accuracy, together with the standard of supply knowledge, the cartographic strategies used, and the dimensions of the map. Maps primarily based on current surveys and aerial imagery are typically extra correct than these primarily based on older knowledge. Bigger-scale maps typically present higher element and precision.
Query 5: Can Grand Junction maps be used for authorized functions?
Sure forms of maps, reminiscent of these produced by licensed surveyors and authorities businesses, can be utilized as proof in authorized proceedings. Nevertheless, it’s essential to confirm the map’s authenticity and relevance to the precise authorized difficulty. Maps used for authorized functions ought to adhere to established surveying requirements.
Query 6: What’s the significance of geographic coordinates on a Grand Junction map?
Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) present a exact location for any level on a map. They’re important for navigation, surveying, and geographic data techniques (GIS). The accuracy of geographic coordinates immediately influences the reliability of spatial evaluation and decision-making.
In abstract, cartographic sources for Grand Junction are numerous and serve varied functions. Evaluating the supply, date, and accuracy of any map is paramount for making certain its suitability for particular purposes.
The subsequent part will present an summary of future traits and developments in mapping applied sciences related to the Grand Junction space.
Navigating Grand Junction
Efficient utilization of a cartographic illustration for Grand Junction, Colorado requires cautious consideration of a number of elements. This part gives steerage to make sure correct and environment friendly use of mapping sources.
Tip 1: Validate the Supply: Previous to counting on a Grand Junction map, confirm its origin. Official authorities sources or respected cartographic publishers present extra dependable data in comparison with crowd-sourced or unverified platforms. Verify for supply attributions or copyright notices.
Tip 2: Verify the Date: Map knowledge turns into out of date. Prioritize the latest model out there. Pay shut consideration to the date of publication or final revision, making certain it displays the present city panorama and infrastructure.
Tip 3: Perceive Map Scale: The map’s scale dictates the extent of element. A bigger scale shows a smaller space with higher precision, appropriate for native navigation. A smaller scale covers a wider space, helpful for regional planning however with diminished element.
Tip 4: Make the most of Legend Successfully: The map’s legend is essential for deciphering symbols, colours, and patterns. Perceive the which means of every factor earlier than making an attempt to research the illustration. Confusion can result in misinterpretation of the depicted data.
Tip 5: Confirm Geographic Coordinates: If counting on geographic coordinates, affirm the coordinate system used (e.g., WGS84, NAD83). Discrepancies between coordinate techniques can introduce important errors in location identification.
Tip 6: Corroborate with A number of Sources: Cross-reference data from completely different cartographic sources to boost accuracy and determine potential discrepancies. Evaluating avenue layouts or landmark places from varied maps can spotlight inconsistencies.
Tip 7: Think about the Map’s Objective: Totally different maps serve distinct functions. Choose a map that aligns with the meant software, whether or not for navigation, city planning, or emergency response. A avenue map might not present the required element for zoning evaluation, for instance.
Adhering to those tips will improve the accuracy and effectiveness of any cartographic illustration utilized for Grand Junction. By validating sources, understanding scale, and verifying coordinates, customers could make knowledgeable selections primarily based on dependable spatial data.
The concluding part will summarize the core ideas explored all through this dialogue of “map Grand Junction Colorado.”
Conclusion
This exploration of cartographic depictions of Grand Junction, Colorado, has underscored the significance of correct and complete mapping sources. From street-level navigation to city planning initiatives, the reliability of those representations hinges on the exact depiction of assorted parts, together with streets, landmarks, boundaries, elevation, zip codes, factors of curiosity, public transit routes, geographic coordinates, and utility infrastructure. Every factor contributes to the utility and effectiveness of the cartographic software, impacting numerous sectors from emergency companies to tourism. The accuracy of the bottom map is paramount.
The continual evolution of mapping expertise necessitates ongoing efforts to keep up and improve cartographic sources for Grand Junction. Embracing new applied sciences, making certain knowledge accuracy, and fostering collaboration amongst knowledge suppliers and customers are important steps to make sure the continued availability of dependable and informative maps that serve the wants of the neighborhood. The longer term success of Grand Junction relies upon, partially, on the flexibility to entry and interpret correct spatial data.
