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Montana Soil Data Access

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P>size="6">July 2009 Updates to several Montana Counties

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In an attempt to be more in synchronization with the NRCS authoritative stewardship of the nations soils data, the NRCS naming convention for the soils datasets that are in UTM format has been maintained. ex. (soilmu_a_mt### for soil map units, soilsa_a_mt### for survey area, soilsf_l_mt### for soil lines, soilsf_p_mt### for soils points in a zip file named mt###.zip).

For the time being the data in State Plane coordinates will continue to be named the more generic style used until now. A change will be made if the current change to the UTM version proves to be acceptable to the majority of users. current ex.(soils for soil map units, soilsa_a_mt### for survey area, soilsl for soil lines, soilspt for soils points, all in a zip file named for the survey mt###.zip).

The NRCS naming of the NASIS database that is loaded with the text files has been maintained. ex. (soildb_MT_2002.mdb), all contained in a zip file mt###nasis.zip.

The reason for adopting the NRCS naming is to remain consistent with the metadata.

The table below provides access to the geographic and tabular data components of the NRCS soil data.  To download a component, click the colored icon under the corresponding data type that you want.

Both Shapefiles and the NASIS Microsoft © Access 2003 database for a survey area are required to run the Soil Data Viewer (SDV).

Please note that the NASIS component is a 'snapshot' of the data and that these files will be periodically updated.  The current version is shown with the date the data was downloaded under the 'Time Stamp' column. This NASIS data for Montana includes customized interpretations that have modifed the National NASIS database template. If you are working across State boundaries be sure to check with the local NRCS State Office to incorporate any local interpretations they may have developed.

Shapefile formats available

We have provided the NRCS SSURGO GIS data in 2 map projections for your convenience. 

UTM83 - Indicates UTM, NAD 1983

SPC - Indicates Montana State Plane, NAD 1983

For soil data available on USFS lands, select the Region One, USFS LTA Mapping.

NASIS file formats available: Access 2003