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Rivers, coasts & water Follow water from a watershed to the coast. Compare rivers, wetlands, shorelines, and coastal change.
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Showing 7 of 7 resources
Official statewide map of major watershed boundaries. MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗ Enlarge this map physical Major watersheds statewide · 2000s
Trace areas where rainwater flows toward the same river or coast.
A question to investigate Can a watershed cross a state border?
Dig deeper · grades 6–8 Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.
Explore the official source ↗ Official local sample of MassDEP hydrography, with the original water-feature legend. MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗ Enlarge this map physical Rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds statewide · 2000s
Follow waterways through towns and across the state.
A question to investigate Which river carries water away from your area?
Dig deeper · grades 6–8 Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.
Open the interactive map ↗ Official statewide coastline map at 1:25,000 source scale. MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗ Enlarge this map physical Massachusetts coastline statewide · 2000s
Examine the edges of the mainland, Cape Cod, and offshore islands.
A question to investigate Which coast has the most bays and inlets?
Dig deeper · grades 6–8 Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.
Explore the official source ↗ Official paired local wetland map samples with the original wetland legend. MassGIS / Commonwealth of Massachusetts Image source ↗ Enlarge this map physical Wetlands mapped from 2005 imagery statewide · 2000s
Locate mapped marshes, swamps, and other wetland areas.
A question to investigate How do wetlands connect land and water?
Dig deeper · grades 6–8 Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.
Open the interactive map ↗ Live map tool Massachusetts Coastal Erosion Viewer Compare shoreline positions along the Massachusetts coast.
Where has the shoreline moved, and in which direction?
Open the official map resource ↗ Live map tool Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Viewer Explore how different water levels could affect coastal places.
Which low areas connect to the ocean?
Open the official map resource ↗ Map collection Massachusetts Ocean Resource Information System Explore ocean resources, coastal habitats, and human uses of the sea.
Where might fishing, shipping, and habitats overlap?
Open the official map resource ↗ Show 12 more Sources checked September 23, 2026. Open the source for current programs, hours, access, and map updates. Historical maps may contain outdated language or incomplete representations of Native homelands.