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Manhattan seems to sprout shiny new skyscrapers as easily as a garden grows weeds, but despite the modern appearance of the concrete jungle at the heart of New York City, every engineer knows that before breaking ground, they need to step back in time, with the help of Viele's map.

In 1865, Egbert Viele, a civil engineer and Civil War veteran who surveyed the land for Central Park and later served in Congress, published a map that is still crucial almost 160 years later. His map showed all the original marshes and waterways of Manhattan. Even today, engineers rely on his work to determine soil conditions and any underground water that still flows through a building site, potentially undermining foundations.

Which of the following additional resources would validate the information given in Viele's map?

  • A. A map of the New York City transit system
  • B. A map of Civil War battle sites in and around Manhattan
  • C. A map of the wetlands on Manhattan Island used to observe migratory birds
  • D. A map showing population density of New York City by borough in 1865 and 1965
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A map of the wetlands on Manhattan Island used to observe migratory birds would validate the information given in Viele's map, as it would provide additional insight into the original marshes and waterways of Manhattan that Viele's map depicted. This resource would help corroborate the historical presence of wetlands and waterways, aligning with the purpose and context of Viele's map for determining soil conditions and underground water flow on a building site. Maps of the New York City transit system (choice A), Civil War battle sites (choice B), and population density (choice D) may not directly relate to the specific information provided in Viele's map regarding the natural landscape features of Manhattan.