A Resource for the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US)
  • Learn about vision for completing PAD-US inventory by 2020 – more in Vision

  • national map

    New PAD-US version 2.0 supports many uses – learn more about 2.0

  • PAD-US contains federal, state, regional and local fee-owned open space, plus easements

  • PAD-US data on urban parks can support recreation, health and social equity

     

  • Wilderness preservation for the U.S., North America and the world uses PAD-US data

The Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) is the official national inventory of
America’s parks and other protected lands, and is published by the USGS Gap Analysis Project.

ProtectedLands.net showcases uses of PAD-US and provides additional information about the data.

How PAD-US is Being Used

  • Analyzing Species Protection Status

  • Fire fighting photo

    USGS Supports Wildland Fire Decision Support

  • NRCS uses PAD-US for Conservation Planning

  • Energy Corridor Mapping with PAD-US

  • RV in public land

    PAD-US 2.0 Helps RV Users Find Great Campsites

  • greeninfrastructure illustration

    Green Infrastructure and PAD-US