Global Soil Classification on a 1-Degree Grid

A 1986 global dataset maps 26 soil units at a 1-degree latitude by 1-degree longitude resolution, derived from Zobler's assessment of FAO Soil Units. It was compiled to improve the hydrologic cycle modeling in global climate models. A companion help file from 1987 and a more detailed 106-unit version are referenced.

Use Cases

• Calibrating soil parameters in global hydrologic cycle models.
• Providing a baseline soil layer for regional climate impact studies.
• Comparing soil unit distributions against newer, higher-resolution classifications.
• Supporting land surface process modeling in Earth system frameworks.

Strengths

• Provides global coverage at a consistent 1-degree spatial resolution.
• Contains 26 distinct soil units based on a standardized FAO classification.
• Includes a companion documentation file (soil1x1.help) from 1987.

Limitations

• Conflicting last updated dates: one source lists 1982, others list 2026, suggesting metadata inconsistency.
• Specific column names, row counts, and file sizes are not provided by any source.
• The dataset is a simplified version; a more detailed 106-unit dataset exists elsewhere.

Provenance

Source

Zobler's assessment of FAO Soil Units (1986), compiled for NASA climate modeling efforts.

Collection Method

Derived from FAO Soil Units and compiled into a global 1-degree grid.

Time Range

1986

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:07:21.220367

Geography

Global