National Soil Survey Geographic Database with Field-Verified Inventory

SSURGO provides the most detailed digital soil survey data for the United States, developed by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. It contains georeferenced map data and computerized attribute data linked to the National Soil Information System database, depicting soil kinds and distribution on the landscape. The data was prepared by soil scientists through digitizing maps and compiling information onto a planimetric base.

Use Cases

• Analyze soil map unit attributes from the National Soil Information System to model agricultural suitability for different crops.
• Integrate georeferenced digital map data with special soil features layers to assess landscape-scale erosion risk.
• Use the detailed, field-verified inventory of soils to inform land use planning and environmental conservation strategies.

Strengths

• Data is field-verified by soil scientists, ensuring high accuracy for the inventory of soils.
• Maps are prepared at the most detailed level of soil geographic data developed by the national survey.
• The dataset links soil map units to a relational database providing component soil properties.

Limitations

• The specific row count and column structure of the underlying attribute database are not provided.
• Data availability and detail may vary by soil survey area extent.
• The primary file formats are XML and HTML, which may require specialized tools for spatial analysis.

Provenance

Source

National Cooperative Soil Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Collection Method

Prepared by digitizing maps, compiling information onto a planimetric correct base, and revising with remotely sensed information.

Freshness

Last updated on 2026-02-15.

Geography

United States.