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Western United States 1:250,000: Los Angeles NI 11-4, A.M.S. Series V502, is an authoritative cartographic representation of the Los Angeles region, created under the auspices of the Army Map Service, Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, Washington, D.C., in 1947. Derived from an amalgamation of multiple sources, including United States Quadrangles, county highway maps, and U.S. Geological Survey outputs from the period 1926 to 1945, this map bears witness to the meticulous standardization of geographical data during the mid-20th century.

The 1940s marked an era of significant advancements in cartography, particularly with the advent and refinement of aerial photography. As Los Angeles emerged as a major urban and cultural center, there was an intensified need for accurate topographical and infrastructural maps. This cartographic piece, leveraging aerial photographs taken from 1941 to 1944, offers invaluable insights into the city's growth and infrastructural developments in this transformative period.

Inherent in this map is an affirmation of the reliability and accuracy of multiple sources utilized. The amalgamation of data ranging from topographic maps from 1926 to 1945 to hydrographic charts from 1945, all marked with a "good" reliability status, showcases the rigorous process that the Army Map Service undertook. Moreover, the verification of road and railroad data by state authorities in 1947 reaffirms the map's utility and authenticity for those interested in the intricate geospatial history of Los Angeles.

The Army Map Service's decision to print this map in 1955, almost a decade after its compilation, indicates its sustained relevance and the significance of the Los Angeles region. The use of a variety of sources, including large scale topographic maps and hydrographic charts, signifies the depth of effort expended to ensure this map's accuracy. Its value lies not only in its representation of Los Angeles during a key historical period but also in the thorough and collaborative process that led to its creation.

The A.M.S. Series V502 stands as a testament to the intricate collaboration between various government bodies, from the Corps of Engineers to the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. The final product, printed by the Army Map Service, Corps of Engineers in 1955, not only serves as a detailed portrayal of Los Angeles in the mid-20th century but also as an emblem of the precise and collaborative nature of cartography of that era.