A decision aid for soil survey map digitizing

Stephen J. Ventura; David Savory

Excerpt

GEOGRAPHIC information systems (GIS) and related technologies are changing the way soils-related data are compiled and used. Digital elevation models, image processing, and integration of multiple data sources with GIS are currently providing valuable information in the soils mapping process (4). The spatial analysis capability of GIS is suited for modeling and monitoring soil and water conservation related phenomena (2, 6). GIS plays an increasingly important role in the implementation and enforcement of soil and water conservation regulations (7, 8). The automation of soils maps has provided a wealth of information for a variety of applications, including land management, planning, site selection, construction regulations, zoning, and taxation.

GISs are not without problems, however. They can be costly to implement and operate. In addition to hardware and software, data automation and maintenance costs can be substantial. GISs are technically complex, requiring staff with skills from a variety of disciplines including surveying, geodesy, photogrammetry, cartography, and computer science. Without sufficient understanding of principles from these disciplines, errors can be easily generated.

Automation of modern, detailed soil surveys is emblematic of both the potential and problems of GIs. In a multipurpose land information system, soils data are readily available for many applications-both the location of soils mapping units and the characteristics ascribed to those units. …

Footnotes

Stephen J. Ventura is an assistant professor in the Department of Soil Science and the Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. David Savory is a recent M.S. graduate from the Environmental Monitoring Program, Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison. The authors acknowledge the contributions of professors Ralph Kiefer, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Kevin McSweeney, Department of Soil Science, as co-investigators on this project. This work was partially supported by the USDA-Soil Conservation Service.
Copyright 1993 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society

This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.