Graphic Overlay Method Soil Survey Maps and Tables

The Graphic Overlay Method

Value Added Soil Association Maps

The U.S.D.A (SCS) Soil Surveys include many useful Soil Attribute Tables that can be directly organized and coded to reveal a number of important characteristics about the land in the area. Example characteristics are color coded to demonstrate:

Locations for Septic Tank Fields

Conditions are favorable for Septic Drain Fields

Wetness Hazards

Soil moisture is retained longer in these areas.

Flood Potential

Areas where flooding is possible (or probable).

Depth to Water Table

Depth to seasonally average ground water.

Soils with "like" characteristics are color coded for easy viewing. The Soil Attribute Table (right) represents the coding table for the soil associations (soil names) and 4 of the many possible (value added) example maps.

Each table "column" is a different, (unique)..., color coded map, where the colors (and soil characteristics) on the soil maps are coded to match the colors (and soil characteristics) in the soil table.

One can quickly determine which areas are suitable for particular land uses. For example, one can determine which areas to avoid building structures because the area is low lying and susceptible to flooding.

Note: The three digit numbers in brackets [999] are Berol Prismacolor pencils colors.

Any number of maps may be created by this coding method. Simply code the table and then color the area of the map containing your "study area."

Look at the more detailed view of the Soil Characteristics Maps

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