Vector polygon map data of property parcels from Berkeley County, West Virginia containing 54,024 features.

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Property parcel GIS map data consists of detailed information about individual land parcels, including their boundaries, ownership details, and geographic coordinates.

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Property parcel data can be used to analyze and visualize land-related information for purposes such as real estate assessment, urban planning, or environmental management.

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Available for viewing and sharing as a map in a Koordinates map viewer. This data is also available for export to DWG for CAD, PDF, KML, CSV, and GIS data formats, including Shapefile, MapInfo, and Geodatabase.

Tax District Boundaries: Official tax district boundary lines adopted by the WV Legislature in 1978 as a general reference to delineate rural tax district boundaries. The boundaries were drawn from 1:24,000-scale USGS topographic maps in 1978 and coincide with county magisterial districts as of July 1, 1973. Unlike magisterial districts that are realigned every ten years following the census, the tax district boundary does not follow equal representation requirements. In 1978 the West Virginia Geologic and Economical Survey published six 1:500,000-scale maps delineating official county and tax district boundary lines for the State. In 1996 the West Virginia Department of Tax and Revenue, Property Tax Division, converted the 1978 source maps into a digital format and added descriptive attributes for each tax district. In October of 2003, the WV GIS Technical Center appended 24K DLG boundary files and lines drawn from 24K DRGs into a statewide 24K Tax District Boundary dataset. In 2017, WVGISTC has appended this file with parcel data or Census Populated Places boundaries for missing tax districts.

The WV_Parcel data is a composite dataset of individual county parcel data. Each county provides a unique dataset, with different temporal currencies, attributes and geographies.Website Link: https://www.mapwv.gov/

Vector polygon map data of property parcels from Kanawha County, West Virginia containing 117689 features.

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Property parcel GIS map data consists of detailed information about individual land parcels, including their boundaries, ownership details, and geographic coordinates.

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Property parcel data can be used to analyze and visualize land-related information for purposes such as real estate assessment, urban planning, or environmental management.

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Available for viewing and sharing as a map in a Koordinates map viewer. This data is also available for export to DWG for CAD, PDF, KML, CSV, and GIS data formats, including Shapefile, MapInfo, and Geodatabase.

The Digital Surficial Geologic-GIS Map of Gauley River National Recreation Area, West Virginia is composed of GIS data layers and GIS tables, and is available in the following GRI-supported GIS data formats: 1.) an ESRI file geodatabase (gari_surficial_geology.gdb), a 2.) Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) geopackage, and 3.) 2.2 KMZ/KML file for use in Google Earth, however, this format version of the map is limited in data layers presented and in access to GRI ancillary table information. The file geodatabase format is supported with a 1.) ArcGIS Pro 3.X map file (.mapx) file (gari_surficial_geology.mapx) and individual Pro 3.X layer (.lyrx) files (for each GIS data layer). The OGC geopackage is supported with a QGIS project (.qgz) file. Upon request, the GIS data is also available in ESRI shapefile format. Contact Stephanie O'Meara (see contact information below) to acquire the GIS data in these GIS data formats. In addition to the GIS data and supporting GIS files, three additional files comprise a GRI digital geologic-GIS dataset or map: 1.) a readme file (gari_geology_gis_readme.pdf), 2.) the GRI ancillary map information document (.pdf) file (gari_geology.pdf) which contains geologic unit descriptions, as well as other ancillary map information and graphics from the source map(s) used by the GRI in the production of the GRI digital geologic-GIS data for the park, and 3.) a user-friendly FAQ PDF version of the metadata (gari_surficial_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Please read the gari_geology_gis_readme.pdf for information pertaining to the proper extraction of the GIS data and other map files. Google Earth software is available for free at: https://www.google.com/earth/versions/. QGIS software is available for free at: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/. Users are encouraged to only use the Google Earth data for basic visualization, and to use the GIS data for any type of data analysis or investigation. The data were completed as a component of the Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program, a National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Division funded program that is administered by the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD). For a complete listing of GRI products visit the GRI publications webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geologic-resources-inventory-products.htm. For more information about the Geologic Resources Inventory Program visit the GRI webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/gri.htm. At the bottom of that webpage is a "Contact Us" link if you need additional information. You may also directly contact the program coordinator, Jason Kenworthy (jason_kenworthy@nps.gov). Source geologic maps and data used to complete this GRI digital dataset were provided by the following: West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Detailed information concerning the sources used and their contribution the GRI product are listed in the Source Citation section(s) of this metadata record (gari_surficial_geology_metadata.txt or gari_surficial_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Users of this data are cautioned about the locational accuracy of features within this dataset. Based on the source map scale of 1:12,000 and United States National Map Accuracy Standards features are within (horizontally) 10.2 meters or 33.3 feet of their actual _location as presented by this dataset. Users of this data should thus not assume the _location of features is exactly where they are portrayed in Google Earth, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS or other software used to display this dataset. All GIS and ancillary tables were produced as per the NPS GRI Geology-GIS Geodatabase Data Model v. 2.3. (available at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/gri-geodatabase-model.htm).

The Digital Surficial Geologic-GIS Map of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia is composed of GIS data layers and GIS tables, and is available in the following GRI-supported GIS data formats: 1.) an ESRI file geodatabase (neri_surficial_geology.gdb), a 2.) Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) geopackage, and 3.) 2.2 KMZ/KML file for use in Google Earth, however, this format version of the map is limited in data layers presented and in access to GRI ancillary table information. The file geodatabase format is supported with a 1.) ArcGIS Pro 3.X map file (.mapx) file (neri_surficial_geology.mapx) and individual Pro 3.X layer (.lyrx) files (for each GIS data layer). The OGC geopackage is supported with a QGIS project (.qgz) file. Upon request, the GIS data is also available in ESRI shapefile format. Contact Stephanie O'Meara (see contact information below) to acquire the GIS data in these GIS data formats. In addition to the GIS data and supporting GIS files, three additional files comprise a GRI digital geologic-GIS dataset or map: 1.) a readme file (neri_geology_gis_readme.pdf), 2.) the GRI ancillary map information document (.pdf) file (neri_geology.pdf) which contains geologic unit descriptions, as well as other ancillary map information and graphics from the source map(s) used by the GRI in the production of the GRI digital geologic-GIS data for the park, and 3.) a user-friendly FAQ PDF version of the metadata (neri_surficial_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Please read the neri_geology_gis_readme.pdf for information pertaining to the proper extraction of the GIS data and other map files. Google Earth software is available for free at: https://www.google.com/earth/versions/. QGIS software is available for free at: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/. Users are encouraged to only use the Google Earth data for basic visualization, and to use the GIS data for any type of data analysis or investigation. The data were completed as a component of the Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program, a National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Division funded program that is administered by the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD). For a complete listing of GRI products visit the GRI publications webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geologic-resources-inventory-products.htm. For more information about the Geologic Resources Inventory Program visit the GRI webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/gri.htm. At the bottom of that webpage is a "Contact Us" link if you need additional information. You may also directly contact the program coordinator, Jason Kenworthy (jason_kenworthy@nps.gov). Source geologic maps and data used to complete this GRI digital dataset were provided by the following: West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Detailed information concerning the sources used and their contribution the GRI product are listed in the Source Citation section(s) of this metadata record (neri_surficial_geology_metadata.txt or neri_surficial_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Users of this data are cautioned about the locational accuracy of features within this dataset. Based on the source map scale of 1:48,000 and United States National Map Accuracy Standards features are within (horizontally) 24.4 meters or 80 feet of their actual location as presented by this dataset. Users of this data should thus not assume the location of features is exactly where they are portrayed in Google Earth, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS or other software used to display this dataset. All GIS and ancillary tables were produced as per the NPS GRI Geology-GIS Geodatabase Data Model v. 2.3. (available at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/gri-geodatabase-model.htm).

From the site: "A reference map of the total intensity magnetic field of the earth in gammas published by the WV Geological and Economic Survey in 1978.

In May/June 2007, two hardcopy map sheets of the 1978 Aeromagnetic Map of West Virginia were scanned at 300 dpi 8-bit color by the WV GIS Technical Center. The scanned TIFs were converted to index color mode, and resampled to 150 dpi. The map sections were then mosaicked together and georeferenced to a 15-minute Longitude/Latitude grid."

Geospatial data about Wetzel County, West Virginia Parcels. Export to CAD, GIS, PDF, CSV and access via API.

The Digital Surficial Geologic-GIS Map of Bluestone National Scenic River and Vicinity, West Virginia is composed of GIS data layers and GIS tables, and is available in the following GRI-supported GIS data formats: 1.) an ESRI file geodatabase (blue_surficial_geology.gdb), a 2.) Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) geopackage, and 3.) 2.2 KMZ/KML file for use in Google Earth, however, this format version of the map is limited in data layers presented and in access to GRI ancillary table information. The file geodatabase format is supported with a 1.) ArcGIS Pro 3.X map file (.mapx) file (blue_surficial_geology.mapx) and individual Pro 3.X layer (.lyrx) files (for each GIS data layer). The OGC geopackage is supported with a QGIS project (.qgz) file. Upon request, the GIS data is also available in ESRI shapefile format. Contact Stephanie O'Meara (see contact information below) to acquire the GIS data in these GIS data formats. In addition to the GIS data and supporting GIS files, three additional files comprise a GRI digital geologic-GIS dataset or map: 1.) a readme file (blue_geology_gis_readme.pdf), 2.) the GRI ancillary map information document (.pdf) file (blue_geology.pdf) which contains geologic unit descriptions, as well as other ancillary map information and graphics from the source map(s) used by the GRI in the production of the GRI digital geologic-GIS data for the park, and 3.) a user-friendly FAQ PDF version of the metadata (blue_surficial_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Please read the blue_geology_gis_readme.pdf for information pertaining to the proper extraction of the GIS data and other map files. Google Earth software is available for free at: https://www.google.com/earth/versions/. QGIS software is available for free at: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/. Users are encouraged to only use the Google Earth data for basic visualization, and to use the GIS data for any type of data analysis or investigation. The data were completed as a component of the Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program, a National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Division funded program that is administered by the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD). For a complete listing of GRI products visit the GRI publications webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geologic-resources-inventory-products.htm. For more information about the Geologic Resources Inventory Program visit the GRI webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/gri.htm. At the bottom of that webpage is a "Contact Us" link if you need additional information. You may also directly contact the program coordinator, Jason Kenworthy (jason_kenworthy@nps.gov). Source geologic maps and data used to complete this GRI digital dataset were provided by the following: West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Detailed information concerning the sources used and their contribution the GRI product are listed in the Source Citation section(s) of this metadata record (blue_surficial_geology_metadata.txt or blue_surficial_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Users of this data are cautioned about the locational accuracy of features within this dataset. Based on the source map scale of 1:12,000 and United States National Map Accuracy Standards features are within (horizontally) 10.2 meters or 33.3 feet of their actual location as presented by this dataset. Users of this data should thus not assume the location of features is exactly where they are portrayed in Google Earth, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS or other software used to display this dataset. All GIS and ancillary tables were produced as per the NPS GRI Geology-GIS Geodatabase Data Model v. 2.3. (available at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/gri-geodatabase-model.htm).

A statewide inventory (www.mapWV.gov/trails) of over 5,000 miles of recreational trails accessible to the public in West Virginia. The WV GIS Technical Center at West Virginia University and Rahall Transportation Institute at Marshall University were funded by the WV Division of Highways to inventory, collect, attribute, and integrate all publicly accessible recreational trails in West Virginia. This effort to create a comprehensive statewide trails database was coordinated by the Division of Highway's State Trail Coordinator, Bill Robinson, and GIS Section Head, Hussein Elkhansa. New trail data is updated as it becomes available. Data last updated: August 28, 2021.The data can be viewed on the WV Trail Inventory online map application( https://www.mapwv.gov/trails/) ail users are encouraged to use this interactive mapping tool to report misting trails or corrections.Coordinate System: NAD_1983_UTM_ZOne_17N.Supplemental Information: Anyone wishing to submit GIS/GPS updates for this dataset should contact Kurt Donaldson at the WVGISTC via EMAIL @ kurt.donaldson@mail.wvu.edu

From the site: "In May/June 2007, two hardcopy map sheets of the 1976 Structural Map of WV were scanned at 300 dpi 8-bit color by the WV GIS Technical Center. The scanned TIFs were converted to index color mode, and resampled to 150 dpi. The map sections were then mosaicked together and georeferenced to a 15-minute Longitude/Latitude grid."

From the site: "A reference map of Bouguer gravity values with axes of persistent highs and lows published by the WV Geological and Economic Survey in 1987.

In May/June 2007, two hardcopy map sheets of the 1987 Bouguer Gravity Map of West Virginia were scanned at 300 dpi 8-bit color by the WV GIS Technical Center. The scanned TIFs were converted to index color mode, and resampled to 150 dpi. The map sections were then mosaicked together and georeferenced to a 15-minute Longitude/Latitude grid. Data for the gravity stations was taken from Geonet, the United States Gravity Data Repository System."

The Digital Bedrock Geologic-GIS Map of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and Vicinity, West Virginia is composed of GIS data layers and GIS tables, and is available in the following GRI-supported GIS data formats: 1.) an ESRI file geodatabase (neri_bedrock_geology.gdb), a 2.) Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) geopackage, and 3.) 2.2 KMZ/KML file for use in Google Earth, however, this format version of the map is limited in data layers presented and in access to GRI ancillary table information. The file geodatabase format is supported with a 1.) ArcGIS Pro 3.X map file (.mapx) file (neri_bedrock_geology.mapx) and individual Pro 3.X layer (.lyrx) files (for each GIS data layer). The OGC geopackage is supported with a QGIS project (.qgz) file. Upon request, the GIS data is also available in ESRI shapefile format. Contact Stephanie O'Meara (see contact information below) to acquire the GIS data in these GIS data formats. In addition to the GIS data and supporting GIS files, three additional files comprise a GRI digital geologic-GIS dataset or map: 1.) a readme file (neri_geology_gis_readme.pdf), 2.) the GRI ancillary map information document (.pdf) file (neri_geology.pdf) which contains geologic unit descriptions, as well as other ancillary map information and graphics from the source map(s) used by the GRI in the production of the GRI digital geologic-GIS data for the park, and 3.) a user-friendly FAQ PDF version of the metadata (neri_bedrock_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Please read the neri_geology_gis_readme.pdf for information pertaining to the proper extraction of the GIS data and other map files. Google Earth software is available for free at: https://www.google.com/earth/versions/. QGIS software is available for free at: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/. Users are encouraged to only use the Google Earth data for basic visualization, and to use the GIS data for any type of data analysis or investigation. The data were completed as a component of the Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program, a National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Division funded program that is administered by the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD). For a complete listing of GRI products visit the GRI publications webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geologic-resources-inventory-products.htm. For more information about the Geologic Resources Inventory Program visit the GRI webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/gri.htm. At the bottom of that webpage is a "Contact Us" link if you need additional information. You may also directly contact the program coordinator, Jason Kenworthy (jason_kenworthy@nps.gov). Source geologic maps and data used to complete this GRI digital dataset were provided by the following: West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Detailed information concerning the sources used and their contribution the GRI product are listed in the Source Citation section(s) of this metadata record (neri_bedrock_geology_metadata.txt or neri_bedrock_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Users of this data are cautioned about the locational accuracy of features within this dataset. Based on the source map scale of 1:24,000 and United States National Map Accuracy Standards features are within (horizontally) 12.2 meters or 40 feet of their actual _location as presented by this dataset. Users of this data should thus not assume the _location of features is exactly where they are portrayed in Google Earth, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS or other software used to display this dataset. All GIS and ancillary tables were produced as per the NPS GRI Geology-GIS Geodatabase Data Model v. 2.3. (available at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/gri-geodatabase-model.htm).

The Digital Geologic Map of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Vicinity, District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia is composed of GIS data layers complete with ArcMap 9.3 layer (.LYR) files, two ancillary GIS tables, a Map PDF document with ancillary map text, figures and tables, a FGDC metadata record and a 9.3 ArcMap (.MXD) Document that displays the digital map in 9.3 ArcGIS. The data were completed as a component of the Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program, a National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) funded program that is administered by the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD). Source geologic maps and data used to complete this GRI digital dataset were provided by the following: U.S. Geological Survey and Maryland Geological Survey. Detailed information concerning the sources used and their contribution the GRI product are listed in the Source Citation sections(s) of this metadata record (choh_metadata.txt; available at http://nrdata.nps.gov/choh/nrdata/geology/gis/choh_metadata.xml). All GIS and ancillary tables were produced as per the NPS GRI Geology-GIS Geodatabase Data Model v. 2.1. (available at: http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/inventory/geology/GeologyGISDataModel.cfm). The GIS data is available as a 9.3 personal geodatabase (choh_geology.mdb), and as shapefile (.SHP) and DBASEIV (.DBF) table files. The GIS data projection is NAD83, UTM Zone 18N. The data is within the area of interest of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, as well as Antietam National Battlefield, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and George Washington Memorial Parkway.

The Unpublished Digital Surficial Geologic Map of Bluestone National Scenic River and Vicinity, West Virginia is composed of GIS data layers and GIS tables in a 10.1 file geodatabase (blus_geology.gdb), a 10.1 ArcMap (.MXD) map document (blus_geology.mxd), individual 10.1 layer (.LYR) files for each GIS data layer, an ancillary map information (.PDF) document (blue_geology.pdf) which contains source map unit descriptions, as well as other source map text, figures and tables, metadata in FGDC text (.TXT) and FAQ (.HTML) formats, and a GIS readme file (blus_gis_readme.pdf). Please read the blus_gis_readme.pdf for information pertaining to the proper extraction of the file geodatabase and other map files. To request GIS data in ESRI 10.1 shapefile format contact Stephanie O Meara (stephanie.omeara@colostate.edu; see contact information below). The data is also available as a 2.2 KMZ/KML file for use in Google Earth, however, this format version of the map is limited in data layers presented and in access to GRI ancillary table information. Google Earth software is available for free at: http://www.google.com/earth/index.html. Users are encouraged to only use the Google Earth data for basic visualization, and to use the GIS data for any type of data analysis or investigation. The data were completed as a component of the Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program, a National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Division funded program that is administered by the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD). Source geologic maps and data used to complete this GRI digital dataset were provided by the following: West Virginia University and West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Detailed information concerning the sources used and their contribution the GRI product are listed in the Source Citation section(s) of this metadata record (blus_metadata_faq.html; available at http://nrdata.nps.gov/geology/gri_data/gis/blue/blus_metadata_faq.html). Users of this data are cautioned about the locational accuracy of features within this dataset. Based on the source map scale of 1:12,000 and United States National Map Accuracy Standards features are within (horizontally) 6.1 meters or 20 feet of their actual location as presented by this dataset. Users of this data should thus not assume the location of features is exactly where they are portrayed in Google Earth, ArcGIS or other software used to display this dataset. All GIS and ancillary tables were produced as per the NPS GRI Geology-GIS Geodatabase Data Model v. 2.2. (available at: http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/inventory/geology/GeologyGISDataModel.cfm). The GIS data projection is NAD83, UTM Zone 17N, however, for the KML/KMZ format the data is projected upon export to WGS84 Geographic, the native coordinate system used by Google Earth. The data is within the area of interest of Bluestone National Scenic River.

Vector polygon map data of mile markers from West Virginia containing 2515 features.

Mile marker GIS data consists of points along a linear feature, such as roads or railways. They serve as reference points to measure distances along these features. Mile markers are often labeled with numbers indicating their distance from a starting point, such as a highway's origin or a railway station.

These markers are invaluable for navigation, route planning, emergency response, and data collection. For example, they help drivers and emergency services identify their location precisely on a road. In transportation planning, mile markers aid in analyzing traffic patterns, determining optimal routes, and estimating travel times. Additionally, they facilitate maintenance activities by providing clear reference points for inspecting and repairing infrastructure.

This data is available for viewing and sharing as a map in a Koordinates map viewer. This data is also available for export to DWG for CAD, PDF, KML, CSV, and GIS data formats, including Shapefile, MapInfo, and Geodatabase.

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NWI Wetlands in West Virginia (HU8 02070001) to be displayed in a story map for the Advanced Water Mapping Analytics (AWMA) working group.The AWMA story map is a product of an interagency workgroup partnering to align the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army’s (Army) water resource interests with the U.S. Department of Interior’s (DOI) authoritative and ever-improving inland water mapping datasets and extensive expertise in hydrologic modeling. The federal partners propose the Advanced Water Mapping and Analytics Initiative to accelerate improvements to the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and National Wetlands Inventory (NWI).This initiative will use state of the science approaches, enhanced water data discovery, and innovations in hydrologic modeling techniques in partnership with the National Hydrography Infrastructure (NHI). The group will leverage these improvements to develop an interactive online mapping system, initially focused on supporting Clean Water Act implementation, that enables users to access, visualize, and consume improved water data. This initiative is integral to other interagency efforts led by OMB, the Water Subcabinet, and the Internet of Water to achieve better water resource management through close collaboration and engagement.

From the site: “The Geologic Atlas of the United States is a set of 227 folios published by the U.S. Geological Survey between 1894 and 1945. Each folio includes both topographic and geologic maps for each quad represented in that folio, as well as description of the basic and economic geology of the area. The Geologic Atlas collection is maintained by the Map & GIS Library. The repository interface with integrated Yahoo! Maps was developed by the Digital Initiatives -- Research & Technology group within the TAMU Libraries using the Manakin interface framework on top of the DSpace digital repository software. Additional files of each map are available for download for use in GIS or Google Earth. A tutorial is provided which describes how to download theses files.”

From the site: “The Geologic Atlas of the United States is a set of 227 folios published by the U.S. Geological Survey between 1894 and 1945. Each folio includes both topographic and geologic maps for each quad represented in that folio, as well as description of the basic and economic geology of the area. The Geologic Atlas collection is maintained by the Map & GIS Library. The repository interface with integrated Yahoo! Maps was developed by the Digital Initiatives -- Research & Technology group within the TAMU Libraries using the Manakin interface framework on top of the DSpace digital repository software. Additional files of each map are available for download for use in GIS or Google Earth. A tutorial is provided which describes how to download theses files.”

The USGS Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) is the nation's inventory of protected areas, including public open space and voluntarily provided, private protected areas, identified as an A-16 National Geospatial Data Asset in the Cadastral Theme (http://www.fgdc.gov/ngda-reports/NGDA_Datasets.html). PAD-US is an ongoing project with several published versions of a spatial database of areas dedicated to the preservation of biological diversity, and other natural, recreational or cultural uses, managed for these purposes through legal or other effective means. The geodatabase maps and describes public open space and other protected areas. Most areas are public lands owned in fee; however, long-term easements, leases, and agreements or administrative designations documented in agency management plans may be included. The PAD-US database strives to be a complete “best available” inventory of protected areas (lands and waters) including data provided by managing agencies and organizations. The dataset is built in collaboration with several partners and data providers (http://gapanalysis.usgs.gov/padus/stewards/). See Supplemental Information Section of this metadata record for more information on partnerships and links to major partner organizations. As this dataset is a compilation of many data sets; data completeness, accuracy, and scale may vary. Federal and state data are generally complete, while local government and private protected area coverage is about 50% complete, and depends on data management capacity in the state. For completeness estimates by state: http://www.protectedlands.net/partners. As the federal and state data are reasonably complete; focus is shifting to completing the inventory of local gov and voluntarily provided, private protected areas. The PAD-US geodatabase contains over twenty-five attributes and four feature classes to support data management, queries, web mapping services and analyses: Marine Protected Areas (MPA), Fee, Easements and Combined. The data contained in the MPA Feature class are provided directly by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Protected Areas Center (MPA, http://marineprotectedareas.noaa.gov ) tracking the National Marine Protected Areas System. The Easements feature class contains data provided directly from the National Conservation Easement Database (NCED, http://conservationeasement.us ) The MPA and Easement feature classes contain some attributes unique to the sole source databases tracking them (e.g. Easement Holder Name from NCED, Protection Level from NOAA MPA Inventory). The "Combined" feature class integrates all fee, easement and MPA features as the best available national inventory of protected areas in the standard PAD-US framework. In addition to geographic boundaries, PAD-US describes the protection mechanism category (e.g. fee, easement, designation, other), owner and managing agency, designation type, unit name, area, public access and state name in a suite of standardized fields. An informative set of references (i.e. Aggregator Source, GIS Source, GIS Source Date) and "local" or source data fields provide a transparent link between standardized PAD-US fields and information from authoritative data sources. The areas in PAD-US are also assigned conservation measures that assess management intent to permanently protect biological diversity: the nationally relevant "GAP Status Code" and global "IUCN Category" standard. A wealth of attributes facilitates a wide variety of data analyses and creates a context for data to be used at local, regional, state, national and international scales. More information about specific updates and changes to this PAD-US version can be found in the Data Quality Information section of this metadata record as well as on the PAD-US website, http://gapanalysis.usgs.gov/padus/data/history/.) Due to the completeness and complexity of these data, it is highly recommended to review the Supplemental Information Section of the metadata record as well as the Data Use Constraints, to better understand data partnerships as well as see tips and ideas of appropriate uses of the data and how to parse out the data that you are looking for. For more information regarding the PAD-US dataset please visit, http://gapanalysis.usgs.gov/padus/. To find more data resources as well as view example analysis performed using PAD-US data visit, http://gapanalysis.usgs.gov/padus/resources/. The PAD-US dataset and data standard are compiled and maintained by the USGS Gap Analysis Program, http://gapanalysis.usgs.gov/ . For more information about data standards and how the data are aggregated please review the “Standards and Methods Manual for PAD-US,” http://gapanalysis.usgs.gov/padus/data/standards/ .