US Public Lands

3.70

Information

Category:

Travel & Local

Price:

$ 3.99

Rank:

8

Rating:

3.70

Overview

US Public Lands is a comprehensive mapping application that provides users with detailed information about federally owned properties across the United States. With nearly 650 million acres of land under federal ownership, this app offers an easy way to access and understand the boundaries and usage rules of these public lands without needing physical maps or extensive online research.

The app features on-device layers for various federal agencies including the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and National Park Service, all selectable and color-coded for custom map creation. These layers work offline, ensuring accessibility regardless of internet connectivity. Additionally, users can link directly to each agency's website for further research on land use regulations, permits, and activities allowed.

This app is particularly useful for outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone planning trips to public lands. It allows users to scout out trails, roads, and potential dispersed camping locations using satellite view, while GPS functionality helps identify the type of land you're currently on. The built-in search tool and 'Locate Me' feature enhance navigation capabilities, making it an essential tool for exploring public lands safely and responsibly.

Features

One of the standout features of US Public Lands is its comprehensive and customizable map layers. Users can select from various federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Forest Service (FS), and National Park Service (NPS) to display on their maps. Each layer is beautifully colored and works entirely offline, providing flexibility and reliability even in areas without internet connectivity.

In addition to the map layers, the app includes direct links to each agency's website, allowing users to research specific land use rules, permits, fees, and stay limits. The 'Basic' base map layer is stored on the device, conserving bandwidth and functioning without an internet connection. This ensures that users always have access to crucial information, such as labels for each public land area.

For those with GPS-enabled devices, the 'Locate Me' icon provides real-time location tracking, helping users determine the type of land they are on instantly. The built-in search tool supports cities, states, zip codes, addresses, and points of interest, dropping a pin at the searched location. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the boondocking assistant feature, which uses satellite view to help scout out trails and dispersed camping locations within public lands, enhancing the overall exploration experience.

Booking authenticity

When using the US Public Lands app, users can trust the authenticity of the information provided. The app sources its data from the Protected Area Database (PAD-US) of the U.S. Geological Survey, ensuring that the boundaries and details of federal lands are as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

The app allows users to access this information offline, providing peace of mind when venturing into areas with limited or no internet connectivity. This feature ensures that even without an internet connection, hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts can rely on the app's stored data for navigation and planning.

While the database is continuously evolving and some locations might have inaccuracies, the app developers are committed to updating the maps in sync with improvements to the dataset. This dedication to accuracy means users can confidently plan trips knowing they have the latest available information at their fingertips.

Price transparency

Although the US Public Lands app does not involve monetary transactions, it offers a different kind of value through information transparency. Users can easily understand which US agency owns and operates the land they are interested in, thanks to the app's clear labeling and color-coded layers for different agencies.

By providing direct links to each agency's website within the app, users can further research regarding permits, fees, and rules applicable to each type of public land. This empowers them to make informed decisions about their visits and activities on these lands.

Moreover, the built-in search tool and GPS functionality enhance user experience by allowing quick location-based searches and real-time positioning. These features ensure that users have all necessary information both for planning and on-the-go, making their outdoor experiences seamless and well-informed.

Pros

User-friendly interface

Offline map functionality

Comprehensive agency coverage

Real-time location tracking

Customizable map layers

Cons

No campsite database

Occasional accuracy issues

Limited private land info

Requires GPS for best use

Some features need internet

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