Global Soil Classification Grid at 0.5-Degree Resolution

Soil types are mapped globally at a 0.5-degree latitude by 0.5-degree longitude grid. The dataset contains 106 soil units derived from Zobler's 1986 assessment of the FAO/UNESCO Soil Map of the World. It was converted from a 1-degree resolution source by NASA and retains continent-specific soil property information.

Use Cases

• Mapping global soil texture for climate and hydrological models using the soil type and continent columns.
• Assessing regional agricultural potential by analyzing the distribution of 106 soil units.
• Validating modern soil maps by comparing with this foundational FAO/UNESCO-based classification.
• Land surface studies requiring continent-specific soil property data at a standardized grid resolution.

Strengths

• Provides a standardized global grid covering all land areas at 0.5-degree resolution.
• Classifies soils into 106 distinct units based on the authoritative FAO/UNESCO Soil Map of the World.
• Retains continent-specific texture information, acknowledging regional variations in soil properties.
• Includes the conversion code (one2half.c) for transparency in the resolution adjustment process.

Limitations

• The spatial resolution was not increased from the original source; 1-degree cells were simply divided into quarters.
• The dataset is based on a 1986 assessment, so it does not reflect recent land use or soil changes.
• Conflicting last updated dates exist between platforms (2026-03 13 on Data.gov vs 1982-01-01 on NASA Earthdata).

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), based on Zobler (1986) and the FAO/UNESCO Soil Map of the World.

Collection Method

Conversion of the 1-degree resolution Zobler data to a 0.5-degree grid via a computational algorithm (one2half.c), with adjustments for land/water consistency.

Time Range

Based on a 1986 assessment; the underlying map represents a historical snapshot.

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:05:23.823936

Geography

Global land coverage.