SOIL GEOGRAPHICAL DATABASE OF EURASIA AT SCALE 1:1,000,000
VERSION 4 beta, 25/09/2001.
This file complies with the CEN (European Committee for Standardisation)
project for a standard meta data description for geographic information,
prEN 287009, April 1996.
SUMMARY:
1 - DATASET IDENTIFICATION ---------------------------------------:
2 - DATASET OVERVIEW ---------------------------------------------:
2.1 - Abstract:
2.2 - Purpose of production:
2.3 - Usage:
2.4 - Spatial sub-schema type:
2.5 - Spatial reference system type:
2.6 - Language:
2.7 - Document reference:
2.8 - Sample:
2.9 - Related datasets:
3 - DATASET QUALITY INDICATORS -----------------------------------:
3.1 - Process history:
3.2 - Overall positional accuracy:
3.3 - Overall thematic accuracy:
3.4 - Overall temporal accuracy:
3.5 - Overall logical accuracy:
3.6 - Overall completeness:
4 - SPATIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM -------------------------------------:
4.1 - INDIRECT SPATIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM:
4.2 - DIRECT SPATIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM:
5 - EXTENT -------------------------------------------------------:
5.1 - CURRENCY OF EXTENT DATA AND COMPLETENESS OF DATASET:
5.2 - PLANAR EXTENT:
5.3 - VERTICAL EXTENT:
5.4 - TEMPORAL EXTENT:
6 - DATA DEFINITION ----------------------------------------------:
6.1 - APPLICATION SCHEMA DESCRIPTION:
6.2 - OBJECT TYPE:
6.3 - ATTRIBUTE TYPE:
6.4 - ASSOCIATION TYPE:
7 - CLASSIFICATION -----------------------------------------------:
7.1 - THESAURUS:
7.2 - THESAURUS ELEMENT:
8 - ADMINISTRATIVE META DATA -------------------------------------:
8.1 - ORGANISATION AND ORGANISATION ROLE:
8.2 - POINT OF CONTACT AND POINT OF CONTACT ROLE:
8.3 - DISTRIBUTION:
8.3.1 - Restrictions on use:
8.3.2 - Copyright owners:
8.3.3 - Pricing policy:
8.3.4 - Unit of distribution:
8.3.5 - Media:
8.3.6 - Formats:
8.3.7 - On-line access:
8.3.8 - Order:
8.3.9 - Support services:
9 - META DATA REFERENCE ------------------------------------------:
1 - DATASET IDENTIFICATION ---------------------------------------:
Dataset title:
Soil Geographical Database of Eurasia at scale 1:1,000,000
version 4 beta, 25/09/2001.
Alternative title:
Soil Geographical Database of Eurasia.
Alternative title:
Base de Donnees Geographique des Sols d'Eurasie au 1/1 000 000
version 4 beta, 25/09/2001.
Alternative title:
Base de Donnees Geographique des Sols d'Eurasie.
Abbreviated title:
SGDBE.
2 - DATASET OVERVIEW ---------------------------------------------:
2.1 - Abstract:
The Soil Geographical Database of Eurasia at Scale 1:1,000,000 is part of
the European Soil Informaton System (EUSIS). It is the resulting product
of a collaborative project involving all the European Union and
neighbouring countries. It is a simplified representation of the diversity
and spatial variability of the soil coverage. The methodology used to
differentiate and name the main soil types is based on the terminology of
the F.A.O. legend for the Soil Map of the World at Scale 1:5,000,000. This
terminology has been refined and adapted to take account of the
specificities of the landscapes in Europa. It is itself founded on the
distinction of the main pedogenetic processes leading to soil
differentiation: brunification, lessivage, podzolisation, hydromorphy, etc.
The database contains a list of Soil Typological Units (STU). Besides the
soil names they represent, these units are described by variables
(attributes) specifying the nature and properties of the soils: for example
the texture, the water regime, the stoniness, etc. The geographical
representation was chosen at a scale corresponding to the 1:1,000,000. At
this scale, it is not feasible to delineate the STUs. Therefore they are
grouped into Soil Mapping Units (SMU) to form soil associations and to
illustrate the functioning of pedological systems within the landscapes (see
figure in Postscript file diagram.eps).
Harmonisation of the soil data from the member countries is based on a
dictionary giving the definition for each occurrence of the variables.
Considering the scale, the precision of the variables is weak. Furthermore
these variables were estimated over large areas by expert judgement rather
than measured on local soil samples. This expertise results from synthesis
and generalisation tasks of national or regional maps published at more
detailed scales, for example 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 scales. Delineation of the
Soil Mapping Units is also the result of expertise and experience.
Heterogeneity can be considerable in Eurasian regions. The spatial
variability of soils is very important and is difficult to express at global
levels of precision. Quality indices of the information (purity and
confidence level) are included with the data in order to guide usage.
2.2 - Purpose of production:
To provide a harmonised and spatially exhaustive coverage of soil types and
descriptions in Eurasian participating countries at a resolution compatible
with a 1:1,000,000-scale map.
2.3 - Usage:
Soil spatial data query, extraction and thematic mapping, soil spatial data
layer input to agro-environmental models (e.g. soil erosion risk, yield
forecasting).
2.4 - Spatial sub-schema type:
Topological planar graph.
2.5 - Spatial reference system type:
Positioning by Lambert Azimuthal co-ordinates.
2.6 - Language:
English.
2.7 - Document reference:
CEC, 1985 - Soil map of the European Communities at 1:1,000,000. CEC-DGVI.
Brussels, Belgium. 124 pp.
Daroussin J., King D., 1996 - A Pedotransfer Rules Database to interpret
the Soil Geographical Data Base of Eurasia for environmental purposes.
In: The use of pedotransfer in soil hydrology research in Eurasia,
workshop proceedings, Orléans, France, 10-12 October 1996. 25-40.
EC-JRC, 1995 - European land information systems for agro-environmental
monitoring. King D., Jones R.J.A and Thomasson A.J. (Eds.), Brussels,
Belgium. 286 pp.
FAO-Unesco, 1974 - Soil Map of the World - Legend. Unesco, Paris, France.
62 pp.
FAO-Unesco, 1990 - Soil Map of the World - Revised Legend. World Soil
Resources Report 60. FAO, Rome, Italy. 120 pp.
King D., Daroussin J. and Tavernier R., 1994 - Development of a soil
geographical database from the soil map of the European Communities.
Catena (21). 37-56.
Platou S.W., Norr A.M., Madsen H.B., 1986 - Digitising of the EC soil map.
In: Jones R.J.A. and Biagi B. (Eds). Computerisation of Land Use Data.
CEC, Brussels, Belgium. 12-24.
2.8 - Sample:
No sample dataset provided, but a Postscript file (diagram.eps) provides a
schematic diagram of the organisation of the database.
2.9 - Related datasets:
Soil Profile Analytical Database of Eurasia.
3 - DATASET QUALITY INDICATORS -----------------------------------:
x.y - Rationale
The quality and reliability of the information held in the Eurasian Soil
Database (ver 1.0) are important considerations for users. At present it is
not possible to express the accuracy or precision of the data in the various
data sets according to any quantified standard procedure. The ultimate aim
of the Scientific Committee of the ESB is to correct this deficiency.
In practice, the responsibility for the accuracy of the spatial and
attribute data rests with the Contributor organisations. It has not been
possible to make thorough internal checks on the consistency and reliability
of the data. This will be done in the future as an ongoing process but the
ESB Scientific Committee takes the view that it is now time to distribute
the data and to request user feedback as a part of the validation process.
In the long-term, this is likely to reveal more errors than a series of
'artificial' checks.
The soil polygons (soil map units) on the printed European Soil Map were
digitised in the late 1980s. These polygons and the associated attribute
data have been elaborated, checked and/or modified by the national experts
under the 1:1M soil geographical database project of the ESB. The most
obvious problems and deficiencies, such as border harmonisation, have in
part been corrected though some areas still need attention. However, no
systematic checks on the content and integrity of the polygons have been
made. In effect, these polygons are the best representation of the soils of
Eurasia, at the scale 1:1,000,000, that currently exists. But they are a
representation only and must be accepted as this.
For example, the soil data in the national archives of the member states are
aggregated on the basis of soil units or classes belonging to national soil
classifications. In most countries, these classifications differ
significantly from the FAO system (used for the EU Soil Map). The national
data used to compile the original map in the period 1972-78 had to be
re-interpreted to 'fit' a different classification system. This worked more
effectively in some countries than in others. Similarly, during the revision
and extension of the soil geographical database in the period 1990-1997,
national data was again re-interpreted to 'fit' the European system.
The situation with respect to the attribute coding is similar to that for
the soil map unit polygons themselves. The data were extracted from national
archives and coded according to a standard recording system. However, the
accuracy and integrity of these data remains the responsibility of the
national experts who supplied them. Technically, it is possible to make some
consistency checks but so far this has not been done. The data were accepted
'as supplied'. A number of checks are planned for later versions of the
database.
3.1 - Process history:
-> 1974: soil information was compiled and harmonised over Eurasia at
1:1,000,000 scale by Prof. R. Tavernier (B) (co-ordinator) and national
representatives under FAO funding. Project was abandoned before map
publication due to lack of funding.
-> 1985: a map limited to the 12 EC member countries is published by Prof. R.
Tavernier (B) (co-ordinator) and national representatives under CEC-DG VI
for Agriculture funding:
-> Soil Map of the European Communities at scale 1:1,000,000 (CEC, 1985).
-> 1986: the EC Soil Map and legend are computerised at ADK (Danish Bureau of
Land Data, DK) under CORINE program (CEC-DG XI for Environment) funding:
-> EC Soil Database (Platou et al., 1986).
-> 1988: the database is geo-registered to ONC (Operational Navigation Charts)
map sheets at Birbeck College (GB) under CORINE program (CEC-DG XI) funding:
-> EC Soil Database version 1.
-> 1991: 1) soil database attributes are added using the original FAO project
archives (i.e. before across-country harmonisation) by D. King (MARS
project, CEC-DG VI);
2) errors checked against original map and corrected in database by
INRA (National Agronomic Research Institute, F) under MARS project funding:
-> EC Soil Database version 2 (King et al., 1994).
-> 1992: start computerisation of Eastern countries from FAO project archives
under MARS project funding:
-> Eastern countries Soil Databases at level of EC Soil Database
version 2.
-> 1995: 1) database is further geo-registered through "rubber-sheeting"
adjustment to drainage, political, ocean and populated places layers in
DCW (Digital Chart of the World database) by INRA (F) under MARS project
funding;
2) database is checked for errors and new attributes are added by
Contributing Organisations within database member countries, co-ordination
and data management by INRA (F), funding from MARS project;
-> EC Soil Database version 3 (King et al., 1995).
-> 1996: database is extended to several non EU countries by Contributing
Organisations within new database member countries, co-ordination and data
management by INRA (F), funding from MARS project:
-> EC Soil Database version 3.1.
-> 1996-1998: corrections, minor database structure modifications by
INRA (F), border harmonisation for some countries by Contributing
Organisations, extension to several non EU countries by Contributing
Organisations within new database member countries, co-ordination and
data management by INRA (F), funding from MARS project:
-> EC Soil Data Base version 3.21, 3.22... 3.27.
-> 1998-2001: elaboration of a new Instructions Guide, extension of the
database to New Independant States (NIS: Russia, Moldavia, Ukraine and
Byelarus):
-> Soil Geographical Database of Eurasia at scale 1:1,000,000 version 4.
-> 2001-... : extension to Mediterranean countries.
3.2 - Overall positional accuracy:
Estimated: 500 - 5000 m (0.5 - 5 mm at scale 1:1,000,000). Dataset internal
tolerance set to 100 m (0.1 mm at scale 1:1,000,000). Minimum polygon area
set to 9 ha (0.3 x 0.3 mm at scale 1:1,000,000).
3.3 - Overall thematic accuracy:
1) Each Soil Typological Unit in the database is characterised by a overall
confidence level (high, medium, low; see further "data definition and
classification").
2) All polygons representing areas above 25 km2 have been checked/corrected
against original soil map.
3) There is a remaining heterogeneity among database member countries in the
mapping methodology (e.g. discrepancies in the amount of detail given to
object geometry and/or description).
4) This version of the database lacks border harmonisation for some countries.
3.4 - Overall temporal accuracy:
No temporal values within the dataset. The earliest data are from 1980, the
latest from 1996. Year of reference of each object is not indicated.
3.5 - Overall logical accuracy:
100% structural integrity according to tests carried out by co-ordinator
(INRA, F).
3.6 - Overall completeness:
Estimated 90% (there is still some missing information for some attributes).
9 SMU(s) do not totalize 100 % for PCAREA of associated STUs:
SMU PCAREA
342213 105
460010 99
460017 101
460019 98
460023 101
460030 99
460051 101
460056 93
3860031 120
4 - SPATIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM -------------------------------------:
4.1 - INDIRECT SPATIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM:
Type of indirect spatial reference system:
By country.
Reference date:
2001.
4.2 - DIRECT SPATIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM:
Datum:
Lambert Azimuthal.
Ellipsoid:
Sphere.
Map projection:
Projection LAMBERT_AZIMUTHAL
Units METERS Spheroid SPHERE
Major Axis 6378388.00000 Minor Axis 0.00000
Parameters:
radius of the sphere of reference 6378388.00000
longitude of centre of projection 9 0 0.000
latitude of centre of projection 48 0 0.000
false easting (meters) 0.00000
false northing (meters) 0.00000
Height reference system:
Mean sea level.
5 - EXTENT -------------------------------------------------------:
5.1 - CURRENCY OF EXTENT DATA AND COMPLETENESS OF DATASET:
Extent date:
25/09/2001
Extent status:
100% of the extent covered.
5.2 - PLANAR EXTENT:
Bounding XY:
Min XY: -1594087.250 -1350119.375
Max XY: 5100808.000 7673966.500
Bounding Area:
Definition: -
Geographic area:
Type of indirect spatial reference system:
by country.
Name of areal unit:
ALBANIA, AUSTRIA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, BELGIUM, BULGARIA, BELARUS,
SWITZERLAND, CZECH REPUBLIC, GERMANY, DENMARK, ESTONIA, SPAIN,
FINLAND, FRANCE, UNITED KINGDOM, GREECE, CROATIA, HUNGARY, IRELAND,
ITALY, LITHUANIA, LUXEMBOURG, LATVIA, MOLDOVA (REPUBLIC OF),
MACEDONIA (THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF), NETHERLANDS, NORWAY,
POLAND, PORTUGAL, ROMANIA, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, SWEDEN, SLOVENIA,
SLOVAKIA, UKRAINE, YUGOSLAVIA
Id code of areal unit:
AL AT BA BE BG BY CH CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IT LT LU LV
MD MK NL NO PL PT RO RU SE SI SK UA YU
Coverage:
100%.
5.3 - VERTICAL EXTENT:
Min elevation value:
-6 m
Max elevation value:
4000 m
5.4 - TEMPORAL EXTENT:
From date:
Not applicable.
To date:
Not applicable.
6 - DATA DEFINITION ----------------------------------------------:
6.1 - APPLICATION SCHEMA DESCRIPTION:
Application schema id:
SOIL.
Application schema text:
Soil types in Eurasia.
6.2 - OBJECT TYPE:
Object type name: \
Object type definition: |
Geometric primitive type: |
Structure primitive type: |
Object type code: |
Occurrences: |
Positional accuracy: |
Thematic accuracy: |
Completeness: |
|
6.3 - ATTRIBUTE TYPE:
Attribute type name: |
Attribute type definition: | see file:dictiona.htm
Attribute type code: |
Attribute type domain: |
Thematic accuracy: |
Temporal accuracy: |
|
6.4 - ASSOCIATION TYPE:
Association type name: |
Association type definition: |
From object type: |
To object type: |
Cardinality: |
Constraints: |
Thematic accuracy: |
Logical consistency: /
7 - CLASSIFICATION -----------------------------------------------:
7.1 - THESAURUS:
Name of thesaurus:
Thesaurus administrator:
7.2 - THESAURUS ELEMENT:
Term: \
Definition: |
Synonyms: |
Related term: | see file:dictiona.htm
Broader term: |
Narrower term: |
Picture: /
8 - ADMINISTRATIVE META DATA -------------------------------------:
8.1 - ORGANISATION AND ORGANISATION ROLE:
Organisation name:
European Soil Bureau.
Abbreviated organisation name:
ESB.
Organisation address:
European Soil Bureau, Institute for Environment and Sustainability
Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, T.P. 280,
21020 Ispra (Va), ITALY.
Organisation role:
Distributor.
Alternative organisation name:
Bureau Europeen des Sols.
Function of organisation:
Scientific committee for co-ordination on soil information in Europe.
8.2 - POINT OF CONTACT AND POINT OF CONTACT ROLE:
Point of contact name:
Luca MONTANARELLA.
Point of contact address:
European Soil Bureau, Institute for Environment and Sustainability
Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, T.P. 280,
21020 Ispra (Va), ITALY.
Point of contact role:
Secretariat.
8.3 - DISTRIBUTION:
8.3.1 - Restrictions on use:
Licensed usage, by project licensing, project should cover more than one
country, yearly licensing, for details see Point of contact.
8.3.2 - Copyright owners:
European Soil Bureau on behalf of the following Contributing Organisations:
Université de Gand, Laboratoire de Pédologie Tropicale,
Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Gent, BELGIUM
Contact: Professor Eric van Ranst
Geografisk Institut, Kobenhavns Universitet,
Øster Voldgade 10, 1350 Kobenhavn, DENMARK.
Contact: Professor Dr. Henrik Breuning Madsen
Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Unité de Science du Sol,
Ardon, 45160 Olivet, FRANCE.
Contact: Dr. Marcel Jamagne
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe,
Stilleweg 2, 30655 Hannover, GERMANY
Contact: Dr. Wolf Eckelmann
Agricultural University of Athens, Laboratory of Soils
and Agricultural Chemistry,
75 Iera Odos, 118 55 Athens, GREECE.
Contact: Professor Nicholas Yassoglou
Università di Firenze, Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition,
Piazzale delle Cascine 15, 50144 Firenze, ITALY.
Contact: Professor Guido Sanesi
European Soil Bureau, IES, Joint Research Centre
T.P. 280, Ispra Establishment, 21020 Ispra (Va), ITALY.
Contact: Dr. Luca Montanarella
Winand Staring Centre (SC-DLO),
Postbus 125, 6700 AC Wageningen, THE NETHERLANDS.
Contact: Dr. Ben van der Pouw
Soil and GIS Group, CSIC SECS,
Calle Serrano, 115 Dpdo, 28006 Madrid, SPAIN
Contact: Dr. J. J. Ibañez
Soil Survey and Land Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Food
and Environment, Cranfield University,
Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4DT, UNITED KINGDOM.
Contact: Professor Peter Bullock
TEAGASC, Agriculture and Food Development Authority,
Johnstown Castle, Research and Development Centre, Wexford, EIRE
Contact: Dr. John Lee
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute,
Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB9 2QJ, Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM.
Contact: Dr. J.H. Gauld
Research Institute for Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,
Hungarian Academy of Sciences,
Herman Ottò ùt 15, 1022 Budapest, HUNGARY
Contact: Professor Gyorgy Varallyay
N. Poushkarov Institute of Soil Science and Agroecology,
7, Shosse Bankya Str., 1080 Sofia, BULGARIA
Contact: Dr. I. Sztojosev
Research Institute for Soil Science and Agrochemistry,
Bd Marasti 61, 71331 Bucarest, ROMANIA
Contact: Dr. Ioan Munteanu
University of Agriculture of Prague, Faculty of Agronomy, Department
of Soil Science and Geology,
16521 Praha 6, Suchdol, CZECH REPUBLIC
Contact: Dr. Josef Kozak
Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography,
Pl. Politechniki 1, 00-661 Warszawa, POLAND
Contact: Dr. Stanislas Bialousz
Soil Fertility Research Institute
Gagarinova 10, 82713 Bratislava, SLOVAKIA
Contact: Professor Dr. Pavel Bielek
V. V. Dokuchaev Institute
Moscow, RUSSIA
Contact: Dr. Igor SAVIN
or International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Schlossplatz 1 - A-2361 Laxenburg - AUSTRIA
Contact: Prof. Dr. Vladimir STOLBOVOI
Belarus Science Research Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry
62 Kazintsa
220108 Minsk, BELORUSSIA
Contact: Prof. Dr. Nikolai SMEYAN
Agrarian University of Moldova
Soil Department
Mircesti str. 44
2094 Kishinev, MOLDOVA
Contact: Prof. Dr. V.G. Ungurean
ISSAR
Department Soil physics and Soil monitoring
4 Chajkovsky street
310024 Kharkiv, UKRAINE
Contact: Prof. Dr. Vitaly MEDVEDEV
8.3.3 - Pricing policy:
Yearly leasing, by project leasing, reduced pricing at second project, for
details see Point of contact.
8.3.4 - Unit of distribution:
First project: whole dataset.
8.3.5 - Media:
CD-ROM
8.3.6 - Formats:
All files are flat ASCII text with no compression, delivered with meta data
information and a SGDBE_README.txt explanatory text for use of distribution formats:
1) Arc/Info EXPORT
(usable by Arc/Info sites);
2) Arc/Info UNGENERATE for polygon geometry
and flat ASCII files for attribute tables
(usable by other mapping or GIS systems).
8.3.7 - On-line access:
No on line dataset delivery;
8.3.8 - Order:
See Point of contact.
8.3.9 - Support services:
See Point of contact.
9 - META DATA REFERENCE ------------------------------------------:
Entry date:
18/06/1996
Last check date:
31/12/2003
Last update date:
31/12/2003
Future review date:
Spatial reference system of meta data:
------------------------------------------------------------------: