USDA Announces Web Soil Survey

Internet-based system allows users access to soil survey information

Richmond, VA- October 12, 2005- Virginia farmers, conservationists, engineering firms, and city planners now have quick and easy access to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s national soils information. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has launched the Web Soil Survey website, which will provide secure public access to soils data that contributes to every aspect of public and private land use and development.

"Until now soil survey maps, which help landowners and land use professionals make informed land use decisions, were only available in printed form," said M. Denise Doetzer, NRCS State Conservationist for Virginia. "Posting soil survey information on-line is one more step in our effort to make information more accessible to the citizens we serve." The federal government's initiative of electronic government information (eGov) will slowly replace the printed publications through the use of this site.

To view the Web Soil Survey website go to http://soils.usda.gov/survey . 

The Web Soil Survey website has been designed with three easy to use features – Define, View and Explore – and operates much like websites that provide driving directions. When users visit the web soil survey, they are asked to "Define" a geographic area of interest by selecting a state and county or a street address, or just by highlighting an area on a map. Once a location has been defined and displayed on the screen, the user can “View” the aerial photo and requested layers and print or save it to their hard drive or download the data for use in a geographic information system (GIS).

The user can also "Explore" the designated location for specific information on soil suitability in relationship to usage. This flexibility provides an opportunity to build a customized report that addresses the user's individual needs. Information can be delivered in a variety of formats, including print, CD, DVD or other media.

Currently, NRCS has soil maps and data available online for 67 Virginia counties and anticipates having data for all counties in the future. The site will be updated and maintained as the single authoritative source of soil survey information.

For more information, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit http://www.va.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/Soils/.

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