James Bainbridge shares a method he uses to pan to specific distances in AutoCAD.

"One function that I use on a daily basis is the -p or -pan command, which allows me to specify a distance and direction to pan the drawing display. I use this function to avoid constantly scrolling in and out, or clicking and panning numerous times to move the display view. Using the -pan command also seems to prevent the regeneration of hatch patterns and mtext while panning. I've been using this command since AutoCAD 2004.

"Simply key in -p, pick a point on the screen as a start point, move the cursor in the direction you want to move the view (I usually have ortho mode on for this), and enter a distance (either by using a selected point or through the Command line)."
 
Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol: There are so many ways to perform a task in AutoCAD that it can drive you crazy! Panning is no exception; one of the most common methods is to press and hold the scroll wheel on your mouse. The method given above by our tipster is an interesting option. If you are working in a drawing that is relatively small, either method will work just fine and you will see little difference between the two. However, typing in -pan gives you the benefit of typing in the distance to travel, taking you to a faraway place with little effort — and the less effort, the more you can get done.