United States Department of Agriculture

Research and Science

Land Use Strata

The USDA-NASS area sampling frame delineates all parcels of land for the purpose of sampling. The area frame is constructed by visually interpreting satellite imagery to divide a state into stratification classes (strata) based on percent of land used in cultivation. Strata are typically defined by percent cultivated, non-agricultural land, urban use, agri-urban, or water.

• Select a state from the map to view the most recent land use strata map for that state.

• Select a state from the text below the map to download a ZIP archive containing additional files associated with that state, including shape files and a pdf formatted version of the land use strata map.

Higher resolution maps are also available: US level | US level without state labels

ZIP archives

Each individual state zip file contains shape files, metadata, a pdf formatted version of the land use strata map, as well as other files associated with that state.

* PDF images are best viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader.