Soils

The soils dataset provides a geospatial representation of soil map units compiled from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) or equivalent source. Each mapped polygon is identified by a map unit symbol (MUSYM), which corresponds to a specific soil map unit and serves as a key to detailed tabular attributes.

A map unit represents an area containing one or more soil types that occur in a predictable pattern. Within each map unit, soils are further described by components, which typically correspond to soil series—the most detailed level of soil classification in the United States. Soil series describe soils with similar physical, chemical, and morphological properties developed under comparable environmental conditions.

Some map units may include urban land or urban complexes, indicating areas where natural soil properties have been significantly altered or obscured by human activities such as construction, grading, or paving. These urban classifications often reflect disturbed or mixed soils with high variability and limited natural horizon development.

The dataset supports applications such as land use planning, environmental assessment, engineering analysis, hydrologic modeling, and natural resource management by providing standardized information on soil properties, limitations, and behavior.

Contact: Department of Environmental Services

Data Accessibility: Publicly Available

Update Frequency: As Needed

Document Last Revision Date: 6/11/2026

Document Creation Date: 6/11/2026

Feature Dataset Name: Soils

Layer Name: Soils_poly

Metadata document