USDA’s popular Web Soil Survey website (originally introduced in 2005) recently released its latest version — 3.2. The latest update provides improvements and enhancements that help users at all levels be better informed and prepared when making land-use decisions.

Developed by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the free, web-based-application provides a wealth of soils information, data, and soil survey maps — all free and downloadable. See it at: http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm.

The 3.2 version now has a “Use Quick Map” function added to the Preferences menu. This feature allows quicker map drawing with fewer limitations. Other improvements and enhancements include:

New features, fixes

All WSS 3.2 new features and fixes can be seen at: http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/NewFeatures.3.2.htm

Since the beginning, the WSS has attracted a wide array of online visitors from all over the world. During its first few months on the web the site averaged 1,000 users per day, but now averages more than 7,000 users a day.

As a soil science web-based application, it’s easy and intuitive, giving novice users the ability to get started and achieve their objectives.

Soil Surveys and all the data and maps needed to produce them provides critical information for land use decisions, both on the farm and in the city.

Whether a developer is looking to purchase land, or a farmer is considering alternative crops, soil survey data is a critical element in the equation that produces profits while protecting natural resources.

Providing soil and soil survey information to anyone with a computer has been a major achievement for NRCS. The agency remains committed to continuing the effort and anticipates that the customer base will continue to grow as the agency continues to make the site better and better.