Soil and informatics science combine to develop S-map: A new generation soil information system for New Zealand

Upgrading from a traditional soil spatial database, consisting of a single GIS layer of polygons and basic attributes, to a modern soil information system has required significant informatics resourcing. This paper describes the design criteria of New Zealand's new soil mapping system, and the IT infrastructure required for its support. The hybrid design incorporates both traditional soil survey techniques and data, and newer digital soil mapping techniques and information, to (eventually) achieve full coverage of New Zealand at 1:50 000 scale.Full advantage has been taken of recent advances in informatics science in the area of integrated database tools, modelling, remote sensing and web technologies. A number of in-house modules have been developed for functionality including:1.Data entry, storage and validation of soil data and photos2.Dynamic generation of spatial data, maps and factsheets highly customised for a range of end-users3.Automated generation of relevant metadata reports4.Running pedo-transfer functions (PTFs) and other digital soil mapping operations5.Managing and simulating soil uncertainty information

► Describes the design and implementation of a new national soil information system.
► Combination of traditional and digital soil mapping techniques.
► The system requires advanced use of information technology.