SOIL MAPS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Abstract

The paper gives an overview of the history of preparation of 63 soil maps in printed and digital form, out of which 62 in a scale of 1 : 50 000 for a specific sections of the topographic maps, and one in a scale of 1 : 200 000 for the whole of the Republic of Macedonia. The Project for Preparation of Soil Map in a scale of 1 : 50.000 lasted al-most seven decades (from 1947 to 2015). In the final phase of this process, within a FAO project, soil maps in hard copy and digital format were edited, together with corresponding study books for soil properties and soil forming factors for 10 regions of the country. A similar study book was written for the soils of the whole country. In addition, a common legend has been developed for all soil maps with 63 cartographic units. All classifications used during this long period of soil survey have been described and served as a basis for compiling of all legends. The areas of all car-tographic units have been presented. The contents of all 11 soil studies have been described. Digitalization of all maps and the data base of soil characteristics were accomplished. For this purpose, an internet web-portal has been created (www.maksoil.ukim.mk). The results of the Project implementation were promoted and presented to the local scien-tific and professional public. The final works on the Project completion were financed by the FAO, UN Organization.