Soil Data Mart was a comprehensive online platform managed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It served as a primary source for accessing soil survey data and geospatial information across the United States. The platform allowed users to explore, download, and interpret a wealth of soil data, essential for agriculture, environmental planning, construction, and land management.
Key Features:
- Soil Survey Data – Soil Data Mart provided access to extensive soil survey reports for different regions. These surveys included detailed descriptions of soil types, classifications, and properties relevant to land use planning and environmental assessments.
- Geospatial Data – Users could retrieve geospatial data layers that could be integrated into Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This feature enabled advanced spatial analysis, helping researchers, farmers, and developers visualize and map soil characteristics across vast areas.
- Custom Reports – The platform allowed users to generate customized soil reports based on specific areas of interest. This functionality made it easy to tailor soil information to individual project needs.
- User-Friendly Access – Soil Data Mart was designed for accessibility by a wide audience, from agricultural professionals to educators. Data could be downloaded in various formats compatible with different applications, ensuring versatility in usage.
- Resource for Conservation – The tool supported conservation efforts by providing essential data for managing soil resources sustainably. It was instrumental in aiding decisions on erosion control, water quality improvement, and land restoration projects.
While Soil Data Mart has since been integrated into the Web Soil Survey (WSS), its legacy remains pivotal in the development and distribution of soil data, offering a foundational tool for land resource management across the U.S.
