Scope and Content Note
The series consists of annotated cut up sections of U.S. Geological topographic map sheets mounted on cloth and folded, apparently for portability. The folded sections are hand annotated in black, red, yellow, and green representing some aspect of highway planning or maintenance.
Although the State Commission of Highways was responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of state roads, there is no indication of what the color coding on the maps represents.
The maps predominantly consist of six cut up pieces backed on linen to form one numbered section. Pieces measure roughly 22 x 11 cm, which corresponds to the maps' folded size. Unfolded, the sections measure approximately 45 x 33 cm.
Arrangement of sections is indicated by printed sequential numbers in the upper right corner of the maps. They correspond to identical numbers stamped on maps in series A3227, State Highway Planning and Maintenance Map Books, which apparently represent full topographic sheets annotated differently and at an earlier date. It seems clear that the two series use the same base maps. Handwritten numbers on the sides of the sections point to sections showing adjacent land. If placed in sequence the sections would make a full annotated topographic map of New York State.
The printed base maps use standard topographic symbols to show features. These include: cities, towns, and villages; county, state, and national boundaries; contour lines and figures of land elevation; bodies of water, marsh and swamp lands; bridges, roads, mines, and railroad lines; and schools and dwellings.
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