Enhanced soils information systems from advances in computer technology

Abstract

Information is being requested with increasing frequency for location, quality, and quantity of soil properties, processes and interactions with various natural resources. Advancements in computer technology such as increased storage capabilities, faster processing speeds, improved database management systems, geographic information systems, and telecommunications have made it possible to provide more information in a more timely manner, and in formats better suited to user needs. These advancements also make it possible for the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) program to continue evolving in the scientific pursuit of understanding and communicating soil-landscape relationships and their interpretations. In an effort to take advantage of the advances in technologies, and to better respond to increased user needs, the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service (SCS) is developing a new National Soil Information System (NASIS). NASIS is intended to provide a number of new capabilities for the users of the system. Among these capabilities are the maintenance of individual observation data within the system and the capability to relate these individual observations and spatial variability of soil properties to individual delineated areas on soil maps. NASIS will also provide for the interpretation of individual components of map units as well as what were formerly included soils within the map units. With increases in capabilities coupled with increases in user needs for soil information, the NCSS has the opportunity as well as the responsibility to continually review practices, procedures and concepts in light of new technologies to assure that they are not based on prior constraints that these new technologies may have erased.