Geospatial Data

Sources of GIS Data

A wide variety of geospatial data is available for the National Forest System. Examples include the forest/grassland boundaries, Forest Service land ownership, management areas, roads and trails, existing vegetation, water related data (streams, lakes) and many others. Our geospatial data is available in ESRI’s geodatabase format.

GIS Data Disclaimer

The USDA Forest Service makes no warranty, expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, completeness or utility of these geospatial data, or for the improper or incorrect use of these geospatial data. These geospatial data and related maps or graphics are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such. The data and maps may not be used to determine title, ownership, legal descriptions or boundaries, legal jurisdiction, or restrictions that may be in place on either public or private land. Natural hazards may or may not be depicted on the data and maps, and land users should exercise due caution. The data are dynamic and may change over time. The user is responsible to verify the limitations of the geospatial data and to use the data accordingly. 

• The USDA Forest Service Geodata Clearinghouse is an online collection of digital data related to forest resources. Through the Clearinghouse you can find datasets related to forests and grasslands, including boundaries and ownership, natural resources, roads and trails, as well as datasets related to State and private forested areas, including insect and disease threat and surface water importance. You can also find downloadable map products, raster data, and links to other sources of forest resource information.
• The USDA Forest Service Science and Technology Data, Tools and Products provides access to dashboards, data and tools that are designed to facilitate transparency and evidence-based decision making.
• The USDA Geospatial Office provides leadership in geospatial science implementation in the USDA Forest Service by exploring and developing emerging technologies, working with partners to demonstrate their application in land and resource management, providing solutions to inform decision making, and building capacity to support new ways of "Caring for the Land and Serving People."
• The USDA Geospatial Data Gateway (GDG) provides access to a map library of over 100 high resolution vector and raster layers in the Geospatial Data Warehouse. It is the One Stop Source for environmental and natural resources data, at any time, from anywhere, to anyone. It allows you to choose your area of interest, browse and select data, customize the format, then review and download.
• The USGS Earth Resources Observation System (EROS) Data Center provides a variety of data including elevation, aerial photography, and satellite imagery.
• The USDA Forest Service Intermountain Region’s Vegetation Classification, Mapping, and Quantitative Inventory (VCMQ) program supports sustaining and restoring the integrity, biodiversity, and productivity of ecosystems throughout the Region. A mid-level mapping methodology was developed to capture existing vegetation type, tree and shrub canopy cover, and tree size using automated, systematic procedures to map the 12 Intermountain Region National Forests with minimal bias.
• Data.gov is the United States government's open data website designed to provide access to datasets published by various federal agencies. Launched on May 21, 2009, it aims to enhance public access to high-value, machine-readable datasets, thereby informing decisions by the public and policymakers, driving innovation, and promoting transparency in government operations.

Looking for Maps?

Looking for a map to help plan your trip to a National Forest or Grassland?  The USDA Forest Service Maps site has a variety of map products available.

The USGS The National Map is a collaborative effort among the USGS and other Federal, State, and local partners to improve and deliver topographic information for the Nation.