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Q&A · Hunting

How does onX Maps differentiate between public and private lands?

April 6, 2026

Quick Answer

onX Maps differentiates between public and private lands by utilizing a combination of public and private data sources, including the US Forest Service, US Bureau of Land Management, and county assessor records, as well as other proprietary data.

Understanding onX Maps Data Sources

onX Maps aggregates data from multiple sources, including public data from government agencies such as the US Forest Service, US Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Land Management’s Land and Mineral Records System. These sources provide onX with access to public land boundaries, including national forests, wildlife refuges, and Bureau of Land Management lands. Additionally, onX uses proprietary data from county assessor records and other private sources to identify private lands.

Public Land Boundaries and Layers

onX Maps offers various layers to help users navigate public land boundaries, including National Forests, Wilderness Areas, Wildlife Refuges, and National Parks. For example, the “Public Lands” layer provides a comprehensive view of public lands, including BLM lands, National Forests, and Indian Reservation lands. This layer is particularly useful for identifying areas where hunting and other outdoor activities are allowed. Users can also toggle on and off various layers, such as “Private Lands” and “Water Bodies,” to customize their map view.

Offline Mapping and Waypoints

onX Maps offers offline mapping capabilities, allowing users to download maps and layers for use in areas with limited or no cellular coverage. This feature is particularly useful for backcountry hunting and scouting trips. Users can also create and save waypoints to mark important locations, such as access points, camp sites, and game trails. When using offline maps and waypoints, users can easily switch between different map sources and layers, making it easier to identify public and private lands in remote areas.

onx-maps-scouting maps differentiate public private lands
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