Privacy statement | Legal notice | Contact | Search
European Commission > Joint Research Centre > Institute for Environment and Sustainability > Land Resource Management Unit

Soil Datasets > Maps > Soil Atlas of Europe > Atlas Contents

The Soil Atlas of Europe contains:

Who will read the Soil Atlas:

More then 20 years of collaboration between European soil scientists has resulted in the publication by the European Commission of the first ever "Soil Atlas of Europe". Based on soil data and information collected within the European Soil Information System (EUSIS) developed by the Joint Research Centre, the atlas illustrates in 128 pages of maps, tables, figures and graphs, the richness of European soil resources and the need for their sustainable management. The Atlas compiles existing information on different soil types in easily understandable maps covering the entire European Union and bordering countries.

The publication is intended for the general public, aiming to 'bridge the gap' between soil science and public knowledge. By addressing the non-specialized audience, the Atlas will increase public awareness and understanding of the diversity of soils and of the need to protect this precious resource.


Figure 1: Soil Map of the European Union and bordering countries (source: Soil Atlas of Europe).

In addition to the maps, the “Soil Atlas of Europe” contains an introduction to soil that explains the role and importance of soil, how soil is created, how to identify the soil in your garden, the relationship between soil, agriculture, our cultural heritage, forests and as a source of raw materials. Soil mapping and classification are also explained together with an illustrative and informative guide to the major soil types of Europe.

 

20 Regional Map sheets

---

 

Important legal notice
© European Communities, 1995-
Last updated:

European Commission - Joint Research Centre
Institute for Environment and Sustainability
Contacts:
Marc Van Liedekerke(tel. +39-0332-785179)
Panos Panagos (tel. +39-0332-785574)