This technical note describes the Soil Landscape Analysis Project (SLAP) methodology for making Order 3 soil surveys and for supplementing and updating existing soil surveys. It is intended to inform and instruct soil scientists, resource managers, and soil survey users on the application and use of this methodology.
SLAP methodology incorporates Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data, and Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS) data (when applicable) with the soil mapping process to create pre-maps and final soil maps with a digital data base. The process permits the use of GIS for edge matching soil polygons, calculating area, manipulating tabular data, and generating thematic maps. SLAP methodology can be used to make new soil surveys, supplement and update existing soil surveys, and extrapolate sample site information to larger areas.
This technical note is based mainly on experiences gained from the Tonopah, Nevada, Pilot Test conducted from 1983 to 1985. It includes an evaluation summary and application opportunities of the SLAP methodology, descriptions and use of products generated from DEM and MSS data used in mapping soils, and recommended procedures and techniques.