Hubble has better resolution at visible wavelengths, but remember we're seeing the planet's thermal radiation and not reflected (visible) light -- so the planet is over 10 times fainter in the visible than at at infrared wavelengths (Figure 6 in the paper). Hubble can also see into the infrared, but because it is smaller than the largest ground-based telescopes Hubble does not offer the best resolution in the infrared.

A 50% success rate means all their predictive tools are no better than flipping a coin; the only difference is their method has kept them employed.

From Sen. Feinstein (D-CA): "Currently, S. 773 is awaiting action in the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and is currently undergoing some major revisions." If this information is still current, anyone concerned with this issue should contact the appropriate members of the committee.

What type of maps are these?

Many professional-style maps in the USA -- e.g. quad sheets, parcel/tract maps, etc. -- will have survey markers indicated. Ideally these would be set benchmark disks with longitude/latitude noted. Many maps also mark boundaries of townships, sections, and half- and quarter-sections, locations of which should be available from the local municipal authorities.

These sort of well-defined points are probably your best bet for empirical location, but if your maps are 100 years old the coordinates may not be precise enough for digital overlays. In the end, you may well be forced to manually align your maps with something more modern.