Application of GIS for Designing Spatial and Non Spatial Soil Database in Eastern Region, Libya

Abstract

Traditional methods of mapping soil classification maps and interpretive soil maps are expensive and time-consuming. The alternative way to cope with this problem is to apply geographic information system (GIS). GIS becomes an effective technology for scientists, managers and decision makers in addressing multidisciplinary and complex programmes for environmental monitoring, assessment and management.  The purpose of this paper was to generate spatial and non-spatial soil database in GIS environment in eastern region of Libya. In this paper, number of soil properties such as soil textures, soil depth, soil pH, soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, soil salinity, soil calcium carbonate and stones at surface for the representative soil profiles in the study area, were encoded and stored in GIS databases. These data were used to classify soils according to USA soil taxonomy, FAO soil map, and mapping soil depth, soil organic matter, soil calcium carbonate and soil texture. For future work, the author will use these data for mapping another interpretive soil maps, such as soil suitability for agricultural crops and soil salinity maps. Spatial and non-spatial soil database will help researcher and decision makers in this area of interest to answer number of questions for current and future goals.