A visual representation depicting the geographical features, political boundaries, and infrastructure of the northwestern region of the United States. This cartographic tool delineates the states typically considered part of this region: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and sometimes Montana and Wyoming. Such a depiction includes elements like mountain ranges (e.g., the Cascades and the Rockies), major rivers (e.g., the Columbia and the Snake), significant cities (e.g., Seattle, Portland, Boise), and transportation networks (e.g., interstate highways and railways).
This type of geographic overview serves several critical purposes. It facilitates navigation, supports resource management, aids in urban planning, and contributes to academic research. Historically, these representations have played a vital role in exploration, settlement, and economic development of the area. Accurate and detailed visual aids of this kind enable informed decision-making across diverse sectors, from tourism and agriculture to environmental conservation and emergency response.
