Introducing the US Public Lands App! 🇺🇸
Discover the vast expanse of land owned by the US federal government with the US Public Lands App. Covering nearly 650 million acres which account for almost 30% of the United States' land area, these lands are held for the benefit of all Americans.
With this app, you no longer need to carry physical maps or books, or spend hours searching online to find information about the boundaries of these properties. The app provides offline access to beautifully colored layers for the majority of federally managed lands, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (FS), National Park Service (NPS), Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and many more.
🌄 Key Benefits and Features
1. Explore Land OwnershipQuickly and easily find out which agency owns and operates the land you are currently or planning to visit. Use the "Layers" feature to select the agencies you want to see on the map and create your own customized view. Each layer is color-coded based on the agency it represents.
2. Access to Land Usage RulesDiscover the land usage regulations for different types of public lands through links provided within the app. These links direct you to the websites of individual agencies where you can find detailed information on permits, fees, allowed activities, and restrictions.
3. Offline Map LayersThe map layers are stored on your device, allowing you to access them without an internet connection. Make sure to enable the "Basic" layer to see the labels for public lands in each area. You can save bandwidth or use the app when offline by accessing the fully stored Basic layer.
4. Satellite and Standard ViewsWhen connected to the internet, you can switch between standard and satellite views, as well as overlay public land boundaries on the base map.
5. Backpacker's AssistantWhile not a dedicated camping locator, the app can help you identify trails, roads, and signs of dispersed camping areas by enabling the satellite view map.
6. GPS LocationIf your device has GPS access, you can easily locate yourself by clicking on the "Locate Me" symbol. This feature allows you to identify the type of land you are on.
7. Built-in Search ToolFind anything on supported device maps using the built-in search tool requiring internet access. Search for cities, states, zip codes, addresses, and landmarks, and drop a pin at the location.
Please note that the maps in this app have been generated using data from the U.S. Geological Survey's Protected Area Database (PAD-US). The app will be updated to stay in sync with improvements made to this dataset. Two Steps Beyond, the app developer, is not affiliated with the USGS or any other U.S. government agency.
Keep in mind that the PAD-US database is still under development, and some locations may not be listed, while others may have approximate or inaccurate boundaries. Resolution may vary nationwide. Always be aware that there could be private, unmarked properties within public lands, so be sure to pay attention to signs, information, and local guidance. Use this app as an overview and always verify details from local offices, administration websites, and other resources to ensure you have accurate and up-to-date information on whether you are on public or private land.
Download the US Public Lands App now and unlock a convenient and comprehensive tool for exploring the vast public lands of the United States!