NSSH Part 610

Updating Soil Surveys

Definition and Purpose (610.00)

1. Updating of soil survey information is the continuous activity of data collection, reviews, evaluations, and additions to existing soil survey information.
    
2. Updating soil survey information ensures that current and accurate seamless soil survey information is available to meet the needs of the majority of users.
    
3. MLRA soil survey update projects are planned and organized to focus on specific groups of soils and their associated support data and interpretations (see part 608.05).
    
4. Update projects are generally coordinated across existing soil survey area boundaries and follow natural landforms.

Policy and Responsibilities (610.01)

1. Policy
    
   1. Soil survey update activities are conducted as a series of prioritized projects that are agreed upon by the Soil Survey Area Management Team. Projects are developed in the context of the entire MLRA Soil Survey Area.
       
   2. Analysis and update is by MLRA Soil Survey Area, stored in NASIS, and delivered through the Soil Data Mart as subsets.
       
   3. Correlation decisions are recorded in NASIS or, if not yet SSURGO-certified, with an amendment to the correlation document, as appropriate.
       
   4. Update projects are generally based on associated soils on natural landforms over a broad physiographic area. Maps and data are, brought to a consistent level with joined data and soil delineations that follow natural landforms, and are coordinated across the original existing soil survey area boundaries (i.e., county, parish, etc.).
       
   5. Extensively updating the mapping of a previously published soil survey area (e.g., county- or parish-based) can be proposed by the Soil Survey Area Management Team as a project. However, it requires permission from the Soil Survey Division Director. If approved, it must be done within the context of the larger MLRA Soil Survey Area.
       
   6. The MLRA - Soil Survey Area long-range plan lists major items required to bring the existing soil surveys in the area to the standard defined by the MLRA Region-wide memorandum of understanding. The plan is developed by the coordinated efforts of the MLRA Soil Survey Technical Team and the MLRA Soil Survey Area Management Team (see parts 608.05 and 608.06). Exhibit 608-3 illustrates a sample of needs compiled in a long-range plan for a MLRA Soil Survey Area.
       
   7. Priorities are established by the MLRA Soil Survey Area Management Team. Project plans are developed by the MLRA Soil Survey Area Technical Team in such a way that they can be accomplished in about 2 to 5-years. Annual plans of operation are developed to guide and provide specific focus to the MLRA Soil Survey Area staff. Goals and progress reporting reflect the details in the annual plan.
       
   8. Official soil survey attribute data, and to the extent possible, all other official soil survey information (maps, interpretations, and metadata) are maintained in a central, sole-source repository (Soil Data Warehouse) and accessible electronically through various soil data marts. Official soil survey information (maps, data, interpretations, and metadata) is identified in the Field Office Technical Guide.
       
   9. Proposed revisions, modifications, and supplemental mapping are documented and, when determined appropriate by an evaluation of the soil survey, used to revise the official soil survey information. Revisions, modifications, supplemental mapping, or remapping require evaluation actions listed in 610.03.
       
   10. Bring soil survey maps and data up to date within the MLRA Soil Survey Area. Ensure that maps have common soil polygon lines and features and share basic soil properties and selected soil qualities (see Exhibit 609-2).
        
   11. Coordinate and utilize common standards for updating soil survey information within the MLRA Soil Survey Area with those established and defined in the MLRA Region-wide memorandum of understanding. Specific details can be included in the long-range plan and the project plans as needed.
        
   12. Use a common map scale, map unit symbol, map unit name, map unit design, and mapping intensity within broad physiographic areas to provide soil information at a level commensurate with most user needs.
        
   13. All revisions to soil survey information are developed within the context of the overall MLRA Soil Survey Area.
        
2. Responsibilities
   
   Primary responsibility for various aspects of updating soil surveys is with state offices, MLRA Soil Survey Regional Offices (MO), MLRA Soil Survey Offices (MLRA-SSO), and on some federal lands, NCSS partner agencies. The General Manual, Title 430, Part 402, Subpart B, outlines responsibilities of these offices and other soil survey business areas. In addition to the following responsibilities, refer to part 608.01 for a partial overview of responsibilities.
    
   1. MLRA Soil Survey Regional Offices (MO)
       
      1. the MLRA Soil Survey Regional Office Leader participates as a member of the MLRA Management Team to review the long range plan and set priorities;
      2. provides guidance to the MLRA Soil Survey Office in initiating and carrying out the process of updating soil survey information;
      3. assures the quality of all new and revised soil survey data in the region;
      4. conducts a quality assurance review of the revised spatial data;
      5. manages the assignment of editing permissions in NASIS and assures that individuals with editing privileges are properly trained; and
      6. approves changes to the legend that are proposed by the MLRA Soil Survey Office.
          
   2. State Offices
      
      As program managers, state soil scientists:
      1. are responsible for conducting evaluations of non-MLRA soil survey areas within their state to identify deficiencies, problems, and needs;
      2. lead the MLRA Management Team for MLRA Soil Survey Offices located in their state;
      3. participate in MLRA Management Teams for MLRA Soil Survey Offices serving their state but located in adjoining states;
      4. in cooperation with the Management Team members, develop priorities for soil survey update projects;
      5. inform State Conservationists and where applicable, leaders in partner agencies, of the project plans to be carried out by MLRA Soil Survey Offices and obtain concurrence; and
      6. provide administrative management activities for the MLRA Soil Surveys Offices located in their state.
          
   3. MLRA Soil Survey Offices (MLRA-SSO)
       
      1. lead the MLRA Technical Team and carry out its functions;
      2. follow the guidance provided by the MLRA Soil Survey Regional Office in initiating and carrying out the process of updating soil survey information;
      3. develop project plans for approval by the MLRA Management Team;
      4. develop, manage, and update all map unit information;
      5. propose changes to the legend, such as component names used in the map unit name;
      6. correct errors, obsolete terms, and null data;
      7. inform the MO of work being performed by them on the database;
      8. analyze the official soil survey legends of the MLRA and reconcile the map unit names in order to prepare a legend for the MLRA or for some portion thereof;
      9. compile a list of map unit names for the broad update area to facilitate the correlation of map units among individual soil survey areas within the area. Uniformly named map units and a consistent symbol legend enhance usability; and
      10. update all data map units when combining map units during correlation.

Workflow for Updating Soil Survey by Major Land Resource Area (610.02)

The MLRA Soil Survey Regional Offices are responsible for providing guidance to MLRA Soil Survey Offices for implementing a soil survey update process. Exhibit 610-3 is an example of an implementation guide developed by a MLRA Soil Survey Regional Office. Soil survey needs, as well as strategies to achieve needed enhancements vary across the nation. A common approach that can be used however includes: a) initial steps to evaluate existing surveys and then; b) implementing a plan to update the soil survey area. The following outline presents the major items to be considered in developing a plan to update soil surveys for an MLRA Soil Survey Area.

1. Initial evaluation of existing soil surveys.
    
   1. A general evaluation of existing soil surveys and an identification of needs to be included as part of the long range plan. This evaluation will include items such as:
       
      1. review of legends;
      2. examination of the geographic distribution of soils using GIS tools;
      3. examination of spatial data for join problems; and
      4. gathering known information about the quality of existing soil surveys from Resource Soil Scientists, Conservationists, other discipline specialist, and other knowledgeable sources.
          
   2. Inventory and review of benchmark soils
       
      1. current status and need for revision;
      2. inventory of existing data; and
      3. Identification of data gaps.
          
   3. Review and update of official series descriptions
       
      1. georeferenced;
      2. metric units of measure;
      3. use of current taxonomy and horizon nomenclature;
      4. competing series;
      5. diagnostic horizons and features;
      6. etc.
          
   4. Taxonomy
       
      1. Apply latest version of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy.
          
   5. NASIS database review.
       
      1. integrity and management of site and legend objects;
      2. typical pedon selection;
      3. consistant application of data population guides and calculations;
      4. etc.
          
   6. Gathering and organizing existing data.
       
      1. Soil Surveys in the MLRA Soil Survey Area
         • Previously completed soil surveys
         • Soil surveys for conservation planning
         • Soil survey quality control data, including field notes and documentation
         • Soil survey photographs, block diagrams, and other figures
         • Soil survey quality assurance documents
         • Soil correlation memoranda and amendments
      2. Reference Maps
         • Original field sheets
         • Major land resource area maps
         • General soil map
         • All available aerial photography and other remote sensing coverage
         • U.S.G.S. topographic and slope maps
         • Public lands survey
         • Maps and text on geology, geomorphology, geography and water resources
         • Maps and text on vegetation and land use
         • Climatic maps and data
         • Flood plain maps
         • Maps and text on air resources
         • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wetland maps
      3. Reports and Inventories
         • Census reports
         • Crop reporting service reports
         • Multi-spectral data
         • River basin reports
         • State, regional, or county land use plans and regulations
         • RC&D work plans
         • Public lands management reports and inventories
         • Bulletins and reports of State Agricultural Experiment Stations
         • National Food Security Act Manual and similar manuals
         • National resource inventory data
         • Field office technical guides
         • Soil laboratory data
      4. Scientific and Research Reports and Data
         • Theses and dissertations of college or university students
         • ICOM reports - wet soils, cold Aridisols, Aridisols, Andisols
         • Articles in scientific and technical journals
         • Well logs from local or state agencies
         • NRCS drainage, irrigation, and erosion control guides and maps
         • Percolation test results from local agencies
         • Highway soil test data
         • Climate data
         • Geomorphology studies
      5. Forestry, Range, and Wildlife Inventories and Studies
      6. Forest inventories
         • Range inventories
         • Studies and reports on wildlife habitat recreational sites
      7. Official Soil Series and Soil Interpretations
         • Soil interpretations information in the databases for the taxa assumed to be in the survey area
         • Official soil series descriptions
         • Archived copies of previous official series descriptions and soil interpretation records
      8. Databases
      9. Pedon database
         • National Soil Information System
         • State Soil Geographic (STATSGO) database
         • Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database
      10. Digital Data
          • Digital orthophotography
          • Digital raster graphic
          • Digital elevation model
          • Common land units
          • Common Resource Areas
          • Digital hydrography, transportation, etc.
             
2. Implementing a plan to update the MLRA Soil Survey Area.
    
   1. Organize the workload with planning.
       
      1. Develop a long rang plan based on the needs identified in the evaluation for the area.
      2. Prioritize the needs and develop one or more project plans to guide the MLRA Soil Survey Office Staff over the next 3 to 5 year period in accomplishing the highest priority items.
         • An investigation plan is part of the project plan of operations for the MLRA soil survey area. The investigation plan is developed by the MLRA Soil Survey Office Leader in consultation with the MO, partner agencies, and assigned National Soil Survey Laboratory liaison who will assist the MLRA Soil Survey Office Leader through expert consultation and providing regional and national coordination of investigations.
      3. An Annual plan of operations (sometimes called a business plan) is developed each fiscal year that identifies goals, objectives, timelines and responsibilities to guide the staff in planning day-to-day operations.
          
   2. Revise spatial data.
       
      1. Utilize GIS tools (such as Soil Data Viewer, ArcGIS, and NASIS query functionality) as well as landscape predictive models, (such as those that are part of the Soil Resource Inventory Toolbox), as well as statistical software to analyze and summarize data in order to detect inconsistencies, and anomalies to be addressed.
      2. Field Investigations and data collection may be needed to collect data identified in the previous step. The MLRA Soil Survey Office will check data out of the National Soil Geospatial Database (see 610.06). Sites are identified (preselected) during the data analysis phase and are statistically representative of the landscape and are large enough to sample. Use GPS to navigate to the site and collect data, including vegetative data, as documentation. Edit tabular and spatial data as appropriate.
          
   3. Revise existing soil properties, qualities and interpretations.
       
      1. Based on review of accuracy and consistency of data and interpretations in the database, revise as needed.
      2. Populate missing data as appropriate.
      3. Consider the need for new data elements and/or interpretations.
          
3. Quality control and quality assurance activities.
    
   1. The MLRA Soil Survey Office Leader is responsible for quality control of the soils information within the MLRA soil survey area. The MLRA Soil Survey Office Leader reviews data online as well as conducting site visits throughout the area (see 609.04).
       
   2. The MLRA Soil Survey Regional Office Leader is responsible for quality assurance of the soils information within the entire MO area of responsibility (see 609.05). The MLRA Soil Survey Regional Office works closely with partner agencies on federal lands in carrying out quality assurance activities.
       
4. Update Soil Data Warehouse and Soil Data Mart.
    
   1. As project plans (or portions thereof) are completed, and NASIS data has been updated, the Soil Data Quality Specialist completes a quality assurance review of the process and a technical review of the spatial and attribute data. The State Soil Scientist is informed that the survey areas are complete and available for posting to the Soil Data Mart and to the Web Soil Survey. This process allows for a timely delivery of updated soil survey data.

Evaluating Deficiencies to be Corrected in Soil Survey Updates (610.03)

Each official non-MLRA initial soil survey area is evaluated within the context of the greater MLRA soil survey area for update needs. The goal is to bring all soil survey areas within the MLRA soil survey area to a common, coordinated standard. The state soil scientist provides the leadership in assessing the needs for each of the existing soil surveys in the state.

The extent of the evaluations will depend on the current level of existing knowledge about each soil survey. For many soil survey areas, some knowledge is available from staff experience, records, or from those who participated in the previous soil survey. Users of a given soil survey may have kept records of deficiencies. In most instances, existing information on deficiencies is available and an abbreviated evaluation process is all that is needed. Only where information is limited, is a more structured evaluation required. In either case, the result of evaluations summarizing deficiencies and recommendations for improvement is documented in the Long Range Plan.. Evaluation worksheets in Exhibits 610-1 and 610-2 are useful for soil surveys that have little or no information available to current staff.

1. The Evaluation Process.
   
   Prior to any soil survey updating activity, an evaluation of the overall condition of the original survey areas is required. Evaluation of all soil survey areas within an MLRA should be done within a relatively short period (1 year or less), utilizing a consistent format. Evaluations include two major components:
    
   1. Determine current and projected user requirements and needs. The original soil survey memorandum of understanding records user needs and specifications for the survey at the time it was initiated and can be helpful in assessing the likely needs for update.
       
   2. Evaluate the spatial and attribute.
       
2. Responsibilities and Coordination of Evaluations.
   
   The State Soil Scientist provides leadership and direction to the evaluation process within their respective state. The State Soil Scientist assures that the evaluation includes documentation related to the current quantity and quality of the soil survey data. This evaluation serves as an inventory and assessment of the data on file, and helps to direct the State Soil Scientist and the state soil survey partners in update projects.
    
3. Evaluation Process. The process for evaluating soil surveys will vary somewhat across the nation depending on the age of soil surveys represented, order(s) they were conducted at, and other factors. The following outline provides an example of basic steps to be carried out in the evaluation process.
    
   1. Assemble, review, and summarize the existing documentation on file.
      1. map unit descriptions
      2. unpublished soil information
      3. records documenting soil survey joining problems
      4. interpretations
      5. correlation records
      6. field review reports
      7. special investigation and laboratory data
      8. pedon descriptions
      9. transect data
      10. tacit knowledge of those experienced in the area
      11. notes of needed changes recorded in the office copy of the published soil
           
   2. Some examples of items to be considered when evaluating a soil survey include:
      1. soil delineations conform to landform positions
      2. appropriate level of detail
      3. adequacy of the imagery
      4. land use change
      5. map unit design/composition
      6. classification
      7. need for laboratory or other support data
      8. adequacy of the database to support interpretations
          
   3. Interview users of the data including NCSS cooperators, state and local government agencies, NRCS field office staff, Resource Soil Scientists, and Soil Scientists who worked in the survey area or in adjacent survey areas.
       
   4. Look for variability of soil delineations which may result from individuals’ mapping style, differences in detail within and among soil survey areas, and the consistent use of spot symbols.
       
   5. Evaluate the validity and regional consistency of application of map unit concepts:
      1. Analyze the soil-landscape model: Do the same mapping units occur in the same or similar geology, landforms, and parent materials?
      2. Are lines placed accurately on the map? Do crisp boundaries exist where these placements may be evaluated, e.g., the upland and flood plain interface or at the edge of water features?
          
   6. What are the join issues between adjacent soil survey areas?
       
   7. What is the extent of change in land use within the survey area?
       
   8. Have catastrophic natural events or human activities altered the land?
       
   9. Review the kind and accuracy of the soil interpretations. Consider interpretive results and relation of data entries to criteria:
      1. interpretations that were not previously included, and are currently needed, and the development of local interpretations;
      2. improvements that can be made by new and improved data;
      3. changes in land use since the base photography was acquired;
      4. the need for additional soil property or soil quality information;
      5. knowledge of soil response to different uses and management.
          
   10. Review and evaluate the accuracy and consistency of data that exists in NASIS.
        
4. Evaluation Documentation
   
   A written summary of the evaluation must be a component of the process to allow development of conclusions and a comparison of situations among survey areas within an MLRA. Evaluation worksheets in Exhibits 610-1 and 610-2 can be used for this purpose as needed. Modify them to accommodate local conditions.

Developing a Plan for Updating Soil Survey Information (610.04)

Actions to update soil survey information are based on the results of the formal evaluations of the existing soil surveys. The information from these evaluations must be brought together and consolidated for the MLRA Soil Survey Area All update of soil survey information is planned and conducted within the context of the entire MLRA soil survey area. The state soil scientists for the states served by the MLRA Soil Survey Office, in cooperation with the lead scientists of cooperating partners, the MLRA Soil Survey Regional Office leader, and the MLRA Soil Survey Office leader work with the above information to develop an inventory of needs for the MLRA Soil Survey Area. The MLRA Soil Survey Area Technical Team (see 608.06(d)) uses this information to develop the log range plan for the MLRA soil survey area. These needs are prioritized by the MLRA Management Team, and presented to the Board of Directors (or applicable subset of BOD members) for concurrence. Projects plans are then developed by the MLRA Soil Survey Office Technical Team to address the highest priorities. A common approach is to focus on specific groups of soils within the MLRA soil survey area and coordinate them across existing soil survey area boundaries, following natural landforms. Update of soil survey information includes soil tabular databases, soil spatial data, and documentation, such as information from soil investigations.

1. Workload Analysis – Long-Range Plan of Operation
    
   1. The long-range plan provides an inventory of all categories of soil survey work needed to bring the deficiencies identified in the evaluation to the standard defined in the MLRA region-wide memorandum of understanding. Exhibit 608-3 illustrates a sample of needs identified for an MLRA soil survey area.
       
      1. Identified needs for the MLRA Soil Survey Area are prioritized by the MLRA Soil Survey Area Management Team (Exhibit 608.4 provides an example of a procedure that can be used) and reviewed by the Board of Directors (or applicable subset of members).
          
      2. Archive a record of the complete list of needs in the long-range plan and use as a basis for formulating one or more project plans detailing work to be accomplished over about a 2 to 5 year period.
          
   2. The plan should include a strategy to update soil mapping. Include a discussion of the categories that best describe the work needed to bring the soil maps to a common standard throughout the MLRA soil survey area. Revisions or supplements to the soil map fit into the categories described below. Use a planimetrically correct base to join adjacent surveys. Support all revisions with a documented evaluation of the entire MLRA soil survey area. Plans to update soil mapping depend on the results of the formal evaluation.
       
      1. Extensive revision (a detailed form of “update”)
         
         Extensive revision requires considerable fieldwork involving remapping and updating soil descriptions. Extensive revision is seldom used and available only if the survey evaluation documents that remapping a significant portion of the survey is justified. Revising the soil map for a significant portion of an existing soil survey is rarely needed. When such a revision is deemed necessary, use the same procedures as listed for an initial soil survey. A project soil survey memorandum of understanding is not required, but can be prepared if it is deemed valuable. It must be compatible with the MLRA Region-wide MOU. Approval to extensively revise must be obtained from the Director of the Soil Survey Division. Include the soil survey evaluation along with the request for approval.
          
      2. Update
         
         All other degrees of revision are included in “Update”. A long-range plan is developed to establish update priorities within the MLRA soil survey area that accommodate all or most of the parties involved (e.g., different states, agencies, and partners). One or more project plans describing the specific work and timeline are developed to address the highest priorities to be accomplished by the MLRA Soil Survey Office staff within about a 2 to 5 year period. See part 608.06.
          
         • Modernize the soil map base
           Obtain a new base and compile soil delineations, symbols, and cultural features only when the soil map base is not sufficiently current to meet the needs of the survey. Digitize a new soil map and issue as needed. Purchase of a new base requires approval by the Director, Soil Survey Division. Send requests to the Director, National Soil Survey Center, for coordination. This action is normal maintenance of the soil survey. The status of soil survey continues as published in the Soil Survey Schedule. A project soil survey memorandum of understanding is not required.
            
         • Supplemental soil mapping
           Supplemental mapping is another soil data layer that is made for a specific purpose. It provides more detailed soil information than is contained in the official soil survey for an area of limited extent, such as a university experiment station farm. Document the objective, purpose, scale, and expected use of the information. Map the area and record supporting data, such as the soil legend, map unit descriptions, soil properties and qualities, and interpretations. Supplemental information is issued as needed on a local basis. These actions, however, do not constitute a change to official soil survey information. The status of soil survey continues as published in the Soil Survey Schedule. A memorandum of understanding is not required.
            
   3. Specify which method will be used to manage the MLRA soil survey area legend (see part 610.07).
       
2. Project Plan (2 to 5 year plan)
    
   1. Based on the prioritized inventory of needs in the long range plan, identify specific priorities within the MLRA soil survey area that can be accomplished within about a 2 to 5 year period.
       
   2. The MLRA Soil Survey Office staff, in cooperation with the MLRA Soil Survey Area Technical Team (see 608.06(c)) develops one or more project plans detailing the work required to accomplish the agreed upon priorities (see Exhibit 608-5). Plans should be developed which will guide the activities of the staff for about a 2 to 5 year period. They should be developed in such a way that progress can be tracked and clear goals and milestones can be identified and assigned to staff members. In addition, the projects must result in updating official soil survey information periodically so that improved information is provided to customers and progress can be reported. The format and details of the plan will vary depending on the situation. However, the preferred approach is to focus on specific groups of soils within the MLRA soil survey area and coordinate their spatial and tabular information across existing soil survey area boundaries, following natural landforms.
       
3. Annual Plan of Operations
    
   1. Annual plans of operation (sometimes called business plans) should also be developed to guide and provide specific focus to staff as the 2 to 5 year projects are being implemented. Part 608 contains additional information.
       
   2. Annual plan of operations will be put in place by MOs and MLRA SSOs subsequent to the development of the two to five year plan. The list of needs and priorities may change with time (Farm Bill priorities, deficiencies identified as other projects are being performed, cost share opportunities, etc.) and flexibility should be maintained to make adjustments within this process.

NASIS Legend Management for Updates (610.05)

Purpose

Managing legends in NASIS contributes to the overall goal of providing a seamless, high quality soil survey geographic database (SSURGO) for the nation. The MLRA soil survey area is the geographic area chosen to manage, update, and upgrade soil survey information. Subsets of soil survey information – a traditional non-MLRA Soil Survey Area, a Common Resource Area, a National Forest, or a watershed – can be clipped out using a GIS, and the associated attribute data could be selected using the legend area overlap NASIS query. The MLRA soil survey areas are designed to facilitate the update of soil survey information, either by map unit, groups of map units, series and groups of series, landform, and geographic area or other areas not coincident with the traditional soil survey areas. The soil survey legend is a tool for the MLRA Soil Survey Office Leader to evaluate, manage, correlate, update, and upgrade the soil survey information within the geographic area of responsibility.

The “Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area” legends are designated as the Official Legend for the traditionally defined soil survey areas. These legends are posted to the Soil Data Mart by the State Soil Scientist. It is not necessary to create additional copies of the “Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area” legend for a survey area that is under update. The map units and their documentation, correlation history, and progress are to be maintained in the one “official” legend. The Soil Data Warehouse is the archive database for older versions of the legends and associated tabular and spatial data.
 

1. Methods for Managing MLRA Legends
   
   There are two methods to create, manage, and update MLRA legends in NASIS. Specify which method will be used in the workload analysis – long-range plan.
    
   1. The preferred method is to manage all map units for the MLRA within the official legend designated with the Area Type Name of “Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area”. Queries and reports are available in NASIS to efficiently manage legends using this method. Less time and resources are needed to manage the MLRA updates because this system is already in place and no further legend development is necessary. The map units within the MLRA are managed using the Legend Area Overlap and Map Unit Area Overlap tables. The Legend Area Overlap table lists the MLRA(s) that are within the “Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area.” The Map Unit Area Overlap table is populated with the map units occurring within the given MLRA. If new MLRAs are established or boundaries of MLRAs have changed, the map units contained within the overlap tables should be reviewed and updated.
       
   2. An alternative method is to develop an MLRA legend with the Area Type Name of “MLRA Soil Survey Area”. This legend can serve as a tool for the MLRA soil survey leader to track and store the map units within the entire MLRA. Using this legend, the Legend Area Overlap table contains a list of all “County or Parish” and “Non-MLRA Soil Survey Areas” within the MLRA. The Map Unit Area Overlap table is used to populate the associated MLRA map units for the given county or parish. Each unique MLRA map unit name must contain the correlation records for each of the associated official survey map units. This step is required to assure proper correlation of map units in order to create a conversion legend. A separate MLRA legend allows update work to progress without affecting certified “Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area” legends.

Managing Soil Spatial and Tabular Databases (610.06)

Soil survey attribute data, and to the extent possible, all other soil survey information (maps, interpretations, and metadata) are maintained in a central, sole-source repository (Soil Data Warehouse). These data are accessible to customers electronically through the Web Soil Survey and the Soil Data Mart, which are dynamic soil survey information delivery systems. SSURGO spatial, tabular, and metadata can also be obtained from the Geospatial Data Gateway. New and updated soil survey information, when placed into the Soil Data Warehouse, provides customers with the latest soil survey information. Procedures to enhance the information in the Soil Data Warehouse are part of the normal update of soil survey information.

1. Managing Tabular Data
   
   Incorrect entries, obsolete terms, and null data are common deficiencies in the Soil Data Warehouse. Data searches of these errors satisfy the need for an evaluation and change over the extent of the mapping unit and additional evaluation actions are not needed. Entries or corrections to data entries can be made anytime that the errors are discovered, including changes to taxonomic soil classification. Changes that affect the legend, such as component names used in the map unit name, are proposed by the MLRA-SSO and approved by the MO. Correlation decisions should be recorded in NASIS or, if not yet SSURGO-certified, with an amendment to the correlation document as appropriate. The MO assures the quality of all new and revised soil survey data in the region.
    
   1. The MO assures the quality of all new and revised soil survey data in the region, conducts a quality assurance review of the revised spatial data, manages the assignment of editing permissions in NASIS, assures that individuals with editing privileges are properly trained, and approves changes to the legend that are proposed by the MLRA Soil Survey Office. The MO coordinates with the states to develop a plan that addresses the population of new data or correction of existing NASIS datasets. The purpose of the plan is to minimize the risk of data being included that does not meet NCSS standards, that is inconsistent with data in adjoining areas of the same soils, and that is of unknown origin. The plan builds quality control and quality assurance into the editing process. The plan may include information such as:
       
      1. a list of individuals who have permissions to edit the data;
      2. actions to obtain needed training;
      3. a list of data map units and data elements expected to be addressed;
      4. guidance documents, algorithms, and other aids to be used; and
      5. a schedule of when work will be done.
          
   2. The State Soil Scientist:
      1. assigns competent, trained individuals within the state to edit data in NASIS as necessary to carry out program responsibilities;
      2. informs the MO or work being performed on the database and requests edit privileges as needed; and
      3. notifies the appropriate area and field offices, and affected partner agencies of significant revisions to the database.
          
2. Permissions to Edit Data
   
   Entering new data and revising existing data may be done by MO staff, State Office staff, Soil Survey Office staff, or other appropriate individuals, as agreed-to by the State Soil Scientist and MLRA Soil Survey Regional Office Leader. NCSS partner agencies may be the steward for soil survey data on federal lands. The State Soil Scientist may assign competent, trained individuals within the state to edit data in NASIS as necessary to carry out program responsibilities. The MO is responsible for assigning editing permissions in NASIS and assuring that individuals with editing privileges are properly trained. Allowing data to be edited at multiple levels in the organization facilitates improvements to the soil data and timely distribution to the public through the Soil Data Mart and Web Soil Survey.
    
3. Scheduled Updates to the Data
   
   At least annually, and as frequently as needed to meet NRCS or cooperator needs, schedule updates to the information in NASIS and export to the Soil Data Warehouse for all soil survey areas. Soil databases are maintained by the individual non-MLRA soil survey area currently defined within NASIS.
    
4. Managing Spatial Data
   
   Use various GIS and database software to coordinate across multiple non-MLRA soil survey areas within the MLRA. Use a planimetrically correct base to join adjacent surveys. Support all revisions with a documented evaluation of the entire MLRA.
    
   1. Assemble a spatial dataset for the MLRA soil survey area using an acceptable coordinate system, quality standards, portable format, and scale for all geographic areas for which the MLRA Soil Survey Office is responsible.
       
   2. Any part of the MLRA soil survey area-wide dataset (as defined by an area-of-interest) can be extracted/exported for evaluation, editing, and/or updating.
       
   3. When work is completed, the revised spatial dataset from the area-of-interest is checked-in/merged with the MLRA soil survey area-wide dataset for evaluation by the MLRA Soil Survey Office Leader.
       
   4. If the MLRA Soil Survey Office Leader accepts the edits/updates, the revised dataset is incorporated into the MLRA soil survey area-wide dataset.
       
   5. The MLRA Soil Survey Regional Office performs a quality assurance review of the revised spatial data.
       
   6. The State Soil Scientist determines if the revisions warrant placement into the Soil Data Warehouse.
       
   7. Based on the date and person making edits to the soils layer, the revised polygons are extracted and placed into the Soil Data Warehouse. Currently, this step requires clipping and submitting the non-MLRA soil survey area to the Soil Data Warehouse.
       
   8. A pending modification to the current procedure will accept incremental updates at the polygon level. It is expected that few surveys will need to be reposted in their entirety in this MLRA soil survey area environment. Historical record keeping is greatly reduced and processing more efficient.
       
   9. Metadata will track changes to this much smaller geographic area, potentially at the polygon level in a revised Soil Data Warehouse environment.
       
   10. The State Soil Scientist (or designee) notifies the appropriate area and field offices, and affected partner agencies of major revisions to the database, particularly if reclassification and update mapping affect USDA program implementation, such as changes to the hydric soils, highly erodible soils, and prime farmland lists.
        
   11. Attribute data (NASIS) needs to be current and included to successfully post the modifications.

Certification of Soils Data (610.07)

Data Certification is most commonly thought of as the process step whereby a State certifies and exports a dataset to the Soil Data Warehouse. By certifying and exporting the data (attribute and spatial) the State is assuring that the dataset posted to the Soil Data Warehouse has passed quality control and quality assurance inspections and is suitable for use by the general public, and meets National Cooperative Soil Survey standards. Progressive soil correlation, quality control, and quality assurance are essential and integral tools to certifying data. These tools are used throughout the development of a soil survey product, including update products.

A very critical step in the data certification process is to ensure that all significant changes to any previously certified database are documented and recorded in the appropriate NASIS text field. The reason for the change and what was actually changed must be properly recorded for future reference. This is critical because it ensures that individuals performing subsequent quality control, quality assurance, or final export certification are made aware of the data revisions that warrant a review. The following are appropriate NASIS tables for recording edits:

• Legend Text – for edits to legend-level elements (e.g. area type, overlap acreage)
• Legend Correlation – for any amendment to the correlation
• Map Unit History – for recording any edits to the map unit symbol, name, or status
• Map Unit Text – for any map unit-specific edits or comments
• Data Mapunit Text – for recording any edits to specific State interpretations (e.g. IA CSR, VT Septic System) or changes in certification status
• Component Text – for recording any edits to component-specific elements (e.g. composition percent, component name, slope, depth, drainage)
• Horizon Text – for recording any edits to horizon data (e.g. textures, chemistry)

When a dataset has passed a quality control review by the MLRA soil survey office, the data is certified as having passed a quality control review, and is now ready for a quality assurance review by the MO. After the MO has performed a quality assurance review, and all needed edits have been completed, the data is certified as passing a quality assurance review and is now ready to be certified and exported by the State.

1. Guiding Principles of Data Certification
    
   1. The State is responsible for the quality of data certified and posted to the Soil Data Warehouse.
       
   2. Prior to certification and posting to the Soil Data Warehouse all datasets must have passed a quality control review by the MLRA soil survey office and/or State and a quality assurance review from the MLRA (MO) Office.
       
   3. Edit permissions must be limited to authorized individuals who have been delegated responsibility for populating, editing, and certifying data.
       
   4. There must be consensus between the MO, State, and the MLRA soil survey office before edits privileges are given to an individual.
       
   5. A SSURGO certified dataset designated for project update work must undergo evaluation before changes are made to the dataset. Obvious errors such as omissions, accidental deletions, or typographical errors can be corrected without undergoing a formal evaluation.
       
   6. All changes to a SSURGO certified dataset must be supported and documented in NASIS. All changes to correlated component and map unit names must have concurrence from the MO office.
       
   7. States can review, and initiate changes to, their State programmatic information but those changes must be coordinated with the MLRA soil survey office and the MO office. They must also be supported and documented in NASIS.
       
2. Recommended Roles and Responsibilities for Data Certification
    
   1. The MLRA (MO) Office is responsible for:
      1. Coordinating with the State and MLRA soil survey office to provide training on using and editing soil survey databases and spatial data to ensure database and spatial integrity.
      2. Managing group ownership, through coordination with the State and the MLRA soil survey office, to ensure that group membership is current, and that only authorized individuals are populating, editing, and certifying soil datasets.
      3. Performing a quality assurance review of a soil dataset prior to certification and posting to the Soil Data Warehouse by the State; and assigning the quality assurance data certification levels in NASIS.
          
   2. The State Office is responsible for:
      1. The quality of data certified and posted to the Soil Data Warehouse.
      2. Obtaining a quality assurance review from the responsible MO prior to certifying and exporting a dataset.
      3. Certifying and exporting datasets to the Soil Data Warehouse, unless the State designates the MLRA soil survey office, or the MO office, to perform this function.
      4. Coordinating with the MO and the MLRA soil survey office to ensure that group membership for edit permissions are limited to authorized individuals delegated responsibility for populating, editing, or certifying data.
      5. Reviewing, and initiating changes to their State programmatic information and ensuring those changes are coordinated with the MLRA soil survey office and the MO office.
      6. Confirming the certification levels for a dataset prior to export.
          
   3. The MLRA SSO is responsible for:
      1. Following national policy for conducting MLRA soil survey updates as outlined in the NSSH, including: evaluation procedures; formation of MLRA SSA technical and management teams; development of long range plans, project plans, and annual plans; and conducting soil survey updates on an land resource unit, soil catena, or some geomorphic or geologic subset basis.
      2. Performing an evaluation of the existing data prior to initiating update changes to a dataset.
      3. Ensuring that all changes to a dataset are documented and properly recorded in NASIS.
      4. Coordinating with the State and the MO office to ensure that group membership for edit permissions is limited to authorized individuals delegated responsibility for populating, editing, or certifying data.
      5. Coordinating with the State and the MO to obtain training for staff on populating and editing databases (attribute and spatial).
      6. Ensuring that the datasets have passed quality control.

Sample Map Unit Evaluation Worksheet (Exhibit 610-1)

(Used for the evaluation of each map unit, the evaluation of the taxa used in the map unit name, and the evaluation of individual delineations of the map unit.)

MLRA ______________________________________________________________________________________

Soil Survey Area Identification: Name _________________________________________ Number __________

Map Unit Symbol ____________________________________________________________________________
 

Part A. Evaluation of the map unit in the database.

Map unit name as published ___________________________________________________________________

Probable map unit name if recorrelated __________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Do map unit names correspond with current NCSS and editorial standards? _____________________________

Acres of the map unit correlated in the survey area ___________, percent of the survey area ______________

Is the unit adequately described? ________. If not, what is inadequate? ________________________________

Does the map unit design meet current user needs within the MLRA? ___________________________________

Are limiting dissimilar soils named as minor map unit components? ________

Is the amount consistent with NSSH guidelines? ________

Major uses of the map unit at the time it was correlated ______________________________________________

now ________________________________________________________________________________________

Comments: __________________________________________________________________________________

Are soil properties consistent with the current land use? ______________________________________________

Are soil property entries to the NASIS database complete? ____________________________________________
 

Part B. Evaluation of the map unit components used to name the map unit.

Series, family, or higher category, name and classification or miscellaneous area name in the database

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Probable component name and/or classification if updated ____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Do miscellaneous area names correspond with the approved list of miscellaneous areas? ___________________

Probable component name if updated _____________________________________________________________

Are component names written in title case (e.g., Jonus)? _____________________________________________

Are phase criteria properly entered in the phase? ___________________________________________________

Can the soil component be classified as presently described? ________ . If no, why not? ___________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Depth of typifying pedon ________ inches. Does the series (taxa), as described, overlap with other series