The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) collects, maintains, and shares land use data to help the region understand the past and plan for the future. Knowing how land use in an area has changed over time can help us understand policy and development impacts on air and water quality, economic development, jobs, housing, human health, wildlife habitat, and much more.

Download land use data from the CMAP Data Hub.

Land Use Inventory

The Land Use Inventory is updated every five years and is used to support regional planning and policy activities.

Air Photo Imagery Explorer

CMAP digitized its collection of aerial photos dating back to 1970. Visit the Imagery Explorer to view and download the photos.

Federal land use and land cover data

The Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium coordinates and creates national land cover information for environmental, land management, and modeling purposes. The website includes data and tools from various federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and more.