Introduction

Soil information systems consist of layers of soil data in digital format. These data can be used to generate interpretive maps that illustrate potentials and limitations of soils for a variety of uses. Soil information systems are compatible with a host of geographic information systems (GIS) software and hardware configurations, and are appropriate components of knowledge-based GIS. Soil surveys determine the nature, distribution, extent, and genesis of different soils, and furnish data useful in the planning for development, improving agricultural resources, constructing highways, and making equitable economic evaluations of land. The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cornell University Cooperative Extension System cooperate in the making and publishing of soil surverys in the state of New York. These agencies are jointly responsible for data and statements in soil survey publications.

  • About the lab
  • Digitizing
  • Standards
  • Soil databases

    • The Soil Information Systems Laboratory

    The Soil Information Systems Laboratory (SISL) is a fully outfitted GIS lab with the aim of providing digital soil survey information to the public. The SISL digitizes soil surveys to expand the use of the data and provides quality assurance for transfering of soil data between different computer systems while maintaining integrity and accuracy. The National Cooperative Soil Survey officially recognizes and supports the use of digitized soil surveys that have been reviewed and are determined to meet required standards of quality.

    Digitizing

    Digitizing a soil survey follows well-defined steps. First, the survey may require update and recorrelation to ensure that soils are properly classified according to modern soil taxonomy. The most recent soil surveys of New York were published over a span of 35 years and the earliest of these will require updating prior to digitizing. Recompilation may be required in order to produce a digital map having univorm scale. Most soil surveys were published using non-rectified aerial photographs as base maps, and these surveys must be recompiled onto orthphotoquadrangles or 7.5 minute topographic quadrangles prior to digitizing. Digitizing may be contracted to private firms, conducted "in-house" by state and local agences, or provided directly by the National Cooperative Soil Survey as a funded project of the Soil Information Systems Laboratory. Quality assurance/quality control is a responsibility of the SISL. Soil Surveys must be digitized according to nation al standards and specifications before the digitized product can be approved, authorized for use, and supported by the National Cooperative Soil Survey.

    National Standards For Digitizing

  • Line-segment (vector) method must be used, not a grid cell (raster) method.
  • Soil boundary placement accuracy must be +/- 0.01 inch (one line width.)
  • Data files must be in a DLG-Optional or modified DLG-Optional Format.

    Soil Databases

    Soil databases in use at SISL include the State Soil Survey Database (SSSD), Soil Characterization Database, and the New York State Master Soils List. State Soil Survey Database The SSSD contains single phase soil interpretation record information for each map unit in survey areas of New York. These data include over 200 soil map unit attributes such as map unit name, drainage class, depth to bedrock, flooding frequency, prime farmland designation, as well as soil texture, engineering properties and interpretations for landfills, on-lot septic systems, and shallow excavations. Soil Characterization Database The Soil Characterization Database contains data related to the chemical and physical properties of New York soil series. These data are derived from soil analyses made by the Cornell Soil Characterization Laboratory and the National Soil Survey Laboratory and include attributes such as pH, cation exchange capacity, available water capacity, bulk density, particle size analysis, and mineralogy. New York State Master Soils List The NYS Master Soils List contains attributes such as crop yields and the New York Agricultural Land Classification for each soil map unit in soil survey areas of New York.