Soil Survey Map

 Soil Survey Map 

Photo generated on the Web Soil Survey website: Web Soil Survey (usda.gov)

    The picture above was taken from the USDA Web Soil Survey website where I explored the soil types and characteristics in Hermann Park. Creating an Area of Interest (AOI) was simple as I simply entered the address of the area I wanted and used the scroll tool to find the correct position on the map. The tools were helpful as they give you the option to create rectangles and polygons to establish an AOI. After creating my AOI, I was able to explore the different tools and click on information about the soils. This tool was easy to navigate as I went back and forth from different layers. One thing I really enjoyed within this tool was the descriptions tab on the bottom of every layer that explained what that layer was. 

    I have used this tool before during my undergraduate college days, but this time I was able to appreciate how user friendly this website is. The website allows you to easily download the data and maps for your AOI. In my case I downloaded the map I made of Hermann Park. There are also resources available on the website that teach you how to navigate the soil survey. 
    
    One final thing that I found useful was being able to see the layers depicted in color within my AOI. The picture below shows my AOI filled with the color red. In the layers field, under suitabilities and limitations for use, I chose the wildlife management layer (specifically burrowing mammals and reptiles). The map then shows me how suitable my AOI is for that layer. In this case, the legend shows that red means suitability is very limited meaning this would not be a suitable place for burrowing mammals and reptiles. Depending on what layer are relevant, you can pick which ones you would like to have more visual representation of on your map. 


                                   Photo generated on the Web Soil Survey website: Web Soil Survey (usda.gov)

Below is a link to a larger map of the area with the legend and a list of the soil types within my AOI. 


Photo generated on the Web Soil Survey website: Web Soil Survey (usda.gov)

Photo generated on the Web Soil Survey website: Web Soil Survey (usda.gov)

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