Reindeer husbandry in Norway is conducted primarily in the Sámi reindeer herding area, which is divided into six regional reindeer herding areas; East-Finnmark, West-Finnmark, Troms, Nordland, Nord-Trøndelag and Sør-Trøndelag/Hedmark. The Reindeer herding area comprises approximately 14,000 km2 or 40% of Norway’s surface area. In addition to these are four so-called semi domesticated reindeer herding districts (tamreinlag) outside the Sámi reindeer herding area and the work with reindeer in these is of non-sámi character. The right to own reindeer according to the reindeer husbandry act includes the right to graze reindeer in the mountains and other sites, including former cultivated fields and hay meadows outside and which are not linked to inhabited areas or facilities in operation, unless they are kept in the claim and not used as pasture, unless the area is fenced to keep out reindeer. Grazing rights include the right to seasonal grazing as necessary, such as spring, summer, autumn and winter grazing and also migratory routes, calving areas and rutting areas. Outside the Sámi reindeer herding area, reindeer husbandry may not be conducted without the King’s special permission. Such permission can be granted only to a person who by written sources can prove that they are associated with the current landowners and rights holders, or can access large enough areas with good reindeer pastures. A permit may not be granted within the wild reindeer area, nor so close to the Sámi reindeer herding area that it might cause conflict. The permit can be given for a certain period and the management can be subject to certain conditions.

The dataset defines areas within the Sami reindeer grazing area where the right to herd reindeer is restricted due to special legal conditions.

The dataset defines areas outside the Sami reindeer grazing area, where special permits are given for reindeer husbandry in accordance with the Reindeer Husbandry Act, section 8. This is applicable to both Sami and non-Sami reindeer husbandry.

The dataset shows administrative boundaries for Swedish reindeer owners' grazing areas in Norway. The area boundaries are established in the Regulation on grazing areas for Swedish reindeer in Norway, ref. the Border Reindeer Grazing Act.

The dataset provides an insight into land use for reindeer husbandry and shows the facility types that are important for reindeer husbandry. This may, for example, include permanent and temporary barrier fences, catch arms, bridges, areas for boat transport, branding fences, separating and loading fences, field slaughter facilities, accommodation for reindeer herders, camping areas, turf huts, boathouses and storage. Boundaries of areas that act as grazing pastures are also shown

The staging area dataset shows areas with natural boundaries where reindeer gather temporarily while gathering for migration, calf branding, separation or slaughter.

The dataset natural migration track shows natural migration tracks between grazing areas and past sections where the reindeer go by themselves, either singly or in a herd. The maps are to be regarded as an illustration of how the reindeer industry primarily and normally uses these areas. The Act on reindeer husbandry (the Reindeer Husbandry Act) controls the rights and obligations of reindeer herders in relation to land use.

The grazing pasture dataset shows areas enclosed with fences where semi-domesticated reindeer are collected together/kept for feeding or in anticipation of being driven into enclosed work areas for branding or slaughter, for example. The maps are to be regarded as an illustration of how the reindeer industry primarily and normally uses these areas. The Act on reindeer husbandry (the Reindeer Husbandry Act) controls the rights and obligations of reindeer herders in relation to land use.

The dataset describes longer tracks or routes in the terrain where reindeer are either driven or migrate of their own accord between the seasonal pastures. Essentially, a migration track symbolises active migration/driving of reindeer, and according to section 22 of the Reindeer Husbandry Act migration tracks for reindeer herding must not be closed. The width will vary depending on factors such as the terrain and snow conditions, and the size and gathering of the herd. Grazing pockets/overnight pastures are marked as extensions. The autumn migration is usually more widespread and takes place over a considerably longer time than the spring migration. Therefore, the autumn tracks are often wider. The maps are to be regarded as an illustration of how the reindeer husbandry industry primarily and normally uses these areas. The Act on reindeer husbandry (the Reindeer Husbandry Act) controls the rights and obligations of reindeer herders in relation to land use.

The dataset defines siidas in the Sami reindeer grazing area. A siida is a group of reindeer owners who practice reindeer husbandry together in particular areas. There are summer siidas and winter siidas. There have been a little less than 100 summer siidas over the past few years, and around 150 winter siidas in the Sami reindeer grazing area. A siida comprises one or more siidaunits, each of which has a responsible leader.