Proposal for a spatial organization model in soil science (The example of the European Communities Soil Map)

Abstract

Before computerized techniques were used, a paper soil map had to fulfill two functions: memorization or managing a maximum of data, and communication or transmitting a minimum of pertinent data on a given problem. Computer‐based techniques and, in particular Geographic Information Systems, enable the management, analysis, and easy organization and presentation of data about soils. An apparent first step would be to take older data in paper maps and convert them into a geographic database format using digitizing and other computer techniques. However, such work may be insufficient, as is demonstrated by analysis of the specific example of the European Communities Soil Map. Therefore, we propose a new relational structure for pedological or soil science information based upon the main conceptual concepts used during conventional cartographic work. This “Soil Spatial Organization Model,” or SSOM, is a computerized framework for coherent description of the geographical variability of soils, combined with other environmental criteria. It makes no prejudgment on the type of processing of such data. It stresses the importance of starting with the determination of the type of soil organization such as the identification of spatial units and their relationships to permit cartographic representations that show specific themes. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Process‐based modeling of nitrous oxide emissions from wheat‐cropped soils at the subregional scale

“…Typical crop management practices for winter wheat were set on the basis of a survey in the three subregions. Soils were parameterized on the basis of a 1:250,000 scale soil map, organized into geographical soil map units (SMU) containing a mixture of soil typological units (STU), following the model of the European Union soil map [ King et al , 1994]. The soil data base attached with the map comprised geographical information (the shape of the SMUs) and quantitative data for each SMU: the occurrence of particular STUs within the SMU, and various descriptors characterizing the STUs.…”

Modelling nitrous oxide emissions from cropland at the regional scale

“…Typical crop management practices for winter wheat were set based on a survey in the three sub-regions. Soils were parameterized based on a 1:250 000 scale soil map, organized into geographical units (SMU) containing a mixture of soil typological units (STU), following the model of the European Union soil map [18]. The soil data base attached with the map comprised geographical information (the shape of the SMUs) and quantitative data for each SMU: the occurrence of particular STUs within the SMU, and various descriptors characterizing the STUs.…”