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PURPOSE OF SOIL MAPS |
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A map does not represent the exact reality of the land charted, but instead provides a structured representation of knowledge about the distribution of soils across the landscape.
It is an approximation of the reality of the land, and one whose accuracy increases at higher densities of observation and more detailed scales.
Soil maps of a given area constitute a visualization of the intrinsic properties of the soils in question and a delimitation of their specific areas of distribution.
The division of a given landscape into supposedly homogenous areas constitutes a modelling exercise which represents the distribution of soils in the landscape.
Mapping this information involves a considerable effort of synthesis and concretion. A soil map should harmoniously combine the working scale, the amount of information that needs to be represented, the quality of definition and unit of delimitation and the interpretative capacity of those who use this information.
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Map provided by the DAR
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The purposes of soil maps are therefore to:
– Synthesize the key properties of the soils in a single document using a set of codifications and legends that allow a rapid interpretation of the results.
– Describe the distribution of soil units, grouped under more or less generalized or detailed concepts, at a suitable working scale.
– Provide a graphic document which synthesizes the inventory and/or evaluation of the soil units and their corresponding distribution over the land. con la distribución correspondiente encima del territorio.
– Contribute to the dissemination of knowledge about soils and their spatial distribution and properties. The soil map is often the only document allows a non-specialist access to soil information.
– Allow rapid access to soil information. As a specific, visual, synthetic and bi-dimensional representation of the soils of a specific area, the soil map should facilitate access to information which will enable rational use of the soil data provided.
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