Date:  January 13, 2011

Subject:  SOI – Correcting Errors in SSURGO Spatial Data Sets

Purpose:  To provide field offices guidance on how to handle errors in the SSURGO Spatial Data sets.

Effective Date:  January 13, 2011

It has been noted that some of the SSURGO spatial data sets contain errors, such as line placement; delineations with different map unit symbols; delineations with missing symbols; and delineations of the same map unit sharing common boundaries. This document defines the procedure to follow in the event an error is found in the soils spatial data.

When errors are noted, the District Conservationist (DC) in the survey area is to be notified. The DC is to record the exact location and nature of the error on either a hard or electronic copy of the soils layer using the most current or detailed aerial imagery. The name of the individual who found the error should be noted. The discrepancy should then be sent by mail or electronically to the resource soil scientist in the survey area. The resource soil scientist will then forward this information to the state soil scientist. The state soil scientist will assign the resource soil scientist or the MLRA soil survey office leader to field check the map unit delineation in question and correct the error. A record of correction(s) should be maintained on file in the field office.

There will be no fixed schedule for posting corrections to the Soil Data Warehouse and to the Web Soil Survey. It will be at the discretion of the State Soil Scientist, based on the severity of errors and workload requirements.

If there are questions, please direct them to Charles Love, State Soil Scientist/MO-15 Leader, (334) 887-4517 or Scott Anderson, Soil Data Quality Specialist, (334) 887-4565.

/s/

WILLIAM E. PUCKETT
State Conservationist