Australian Soil Classification Map of New South Wales, Version 4.5

A soil type map identifies the dominant soil orders across New South Wales using the Australian Soil Classification (ASC) system. It integrates over 55 different soil resource datasets of multiple scales to create the coverage. The map was produced by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in 2021 and updated in 2026.

Use Cases

• Land capability assessment based on dominant soil order classifications.
• Environmental modeling using the integrated soil resource data from over 55 source datasets.
• Agricultural planning based on soil types with modified sub-classes for alluvial Rudosols and sodium-rich Kurosols.
• Cross-referencing natural resource datasets (e.g., vegetation) via the SEED Map viewer mentioned in the description.

Strengths

• Integrates over 55 different soil resource datasets for comprehensive coverage.
• Includes modified ASC sub-classes for alluvial Rudosols and sodium-rich Kurosols.
• Provides an ASC confidence map to identify areas where classification was assigned directly for higher accuracy.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The description notes that ASC classification does not always equate to a particular Great Soil Group, which may require expert interpretation.

Provenance

Source

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (formerly Department of Planning, Industry and Environment).

Collection Method

Compiled from over 55 different soil resource mapping datasets using a lookup table system and manual classification in some areas.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-05-12.

Geography

New South Wales, Australia.