Soil Survey

Delaware County Soil Survey

The Delaware County Soil Survey is the primary source of soils information in Delaware County. Soil maps provide critical information about the suitability of individual soil types for agriculture, building and construction, water management, on-site sewage treatment systems, and many other things. In the past, the Soil Survey consisted of a printed book in which all of the maps, descriptions, and resource information was contained. When the Delaware County Soil Survey was modernized in the mid to late 1990s, it was converted to a digital form as part of a statewide digitization initiative. Today, although a limited number of printed books were produced, the Soil Survey is, effectively, a digital product.

Obtaining Soils Information for a Specific Property

Soils maps can be obtained from a number of different sources. The Delaware County Auditor maintains the majority of digital geographic data for Delaware County. This data can be obtained from the DALIS (Delaware Appraised Land Information System) interactive website. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey is a source of soils information nationwide. Standard scale soils maps are available on this website by clicking HERE. Alternatively, if you need a map of a specific property, you can visit the SWCD office where a custom map can be made for you.

Delaware County Auditor's GIS Website (DALIS)

NRCS Web Soil Survey

SWCD Website Maps

Using the Soils Information

Soils Map Example Once you know the soil types that exist on a property, you can use the soil survey text and tables to plan uses for an area. The Soil Survey manuscript and tables give interpretive information on the soils for various uses from agricultural to water management to recreational and tree plantings. Click the link below for the entire Soil Survey manuscript. The interpretive tables can be accessed using the links to the right.