**MLRA OFFICE INSTRUCTION NO. 430-384 DATE:** December 22, 1998

**SUBJECT:** SOI - Procedures for Submitting SSURGO Materials for
Quality Review

**Purpose:** To transmit procedures and certification forms for
submitting materials for SSURGO certification.

**Effective Date:** This instruction is effective when received. All
surveys currently in the SSURGO process may be processed under previous
arrangements.

**Background:** During the past two to three years, we have been
processing materials under the Digitizing Initiative with the ultimate
intent of certifying soil surveys to SSURGO standards. There are many
players in the process and, as a result, there has been considerable
confusion as to who does what and in what sequence. The purpose of this
instruction is to clarify the roles, responsibilities, and processes
that will be used to SSURGO certify soils data in MLRA Region 6.
Sections 609, 610, and 647 of the 1998 version of the National Soil
Survey Handbook (NSSH) provide general guidance on the review, edit, and
certification of soils data. This instruction supplements the NSSH
guidance.

Given the complexity of the SSURGO process and the number of different
entities involved, some deviation from this instruction may be needed.
However, any deviation must have mutual agreement between the State, MO,
and the Digitizing Unit.

This release replaces the draft dated November 12, 1998 that was sent
our for review by the state soil scientists in KS, NM, MT, UT, and WY
and by Christine Clarke.

**Filing Instructions:** File with the previous MLRA Office 6
Instructions. An updated tabulation sheet is enclosed.

**LEWIS A. DANIELS**

MLRA Office Leader

Attachments

Distribution:

All MO6 Soil Survey Project Offices MLRA Office 7, Bismarck, ND

All State Soil Scientists in MO6 MLRA Office 8, Phoenix, AZ

All Colorado Area Conservationists MLRA Office 9, Temple, TX

MLRA Office 3, Reno, NV National Soil Survey Center

MLRA Office 4, Bozeman, MT Northern Plains Regional Office

MLRA Office 5, Salina, KS

**OVERVIEW OF THE SSURGO PROCESS**

**MLRA Office 6**

**Background**

During the past two to three years, we have been processing materials
under the Digitizing Initiative with the ultimate intent of certifying
soil surveys to SSURGO standards. There are many players in the process
and, as a result, there has been considerable confusion as to who does
what and in what sequence. The purpose of this instruction is to clarify
the roles, responsibilities, and processes that will be used to SSURGO
certify soils data in MLRA Region 6. Sections 609, 610, and 647 of the
1998 version of the National Soil Survey Handbook (NSSH) provide general
guidance on the review, edit, and certification of soils data. This
instruction supplements the NSSH guidance.

**Responsibilities**

The responsibilities for soil map development are outlined in Part 647
of the 1998 NSSH. Please refer to attachment 5. Attachment 5 is a copy
of pages 647-2 and 647-3 of the 1998 NSSH. These pages outline the roles
and responsibilities of the different entities involved with the SSURGO
process.

**Digitizing Source Materials and Their Review**

Depending on the soil survey, there are two general types of digitizing
source material. For surveys in progress, or published surveys that are
recompiled, the digitizing source materials are stable base mylar sheets
on which the soils lines have been compiled using orthophoto quads. For
many published surveys that are not recompiled, the digitizing source
materials are publication positives (commonly called annotated overlays)
or scribe coats.

Edits of the digitizing source material should ensure that map unit
delineations and their symbols match across map boundaries and an exact
or acceptable join (choose one for each adjacent survey as defined on
page 609.05 (6) of the NSSH) has been achieved with adjacent surveys.
The originating state is responsible for completing a 100% review. The
MO is responsible for a 10% review. The edits must be completed and
certified before the materials are digitized.

**Digitizing Site**

A digitizing site is the entity that actually performs the digitizing of
the source materials. It can be an NRCS office (state or other), a
university, a private contractor, or a designated digitizing unit (DU).
The DUs for soil surveys in MO6 are the NRCS unit in Bozeman, Montana
and Kansas State University associated with MO5 in Salina, Kansas. [Even
though individual states may do their own digitizing, materials are
still processed through the MO to the DU for the final SSURGO
certification steps.]{.underline}

**General Procedures For Submitting SSURGO Materials**

Soil survey project office (or other compilation unit) will forward the
digitizing source materials, a summary of the compilation process, and a
signed certification form (attachment 1) to the State Office. The state
will then send all digitizing source material and signed certification
forms (attachments 1 and 2) to the MLRA Office (MO). The MO will forward
digitizing source materials and signed certification forms (attachments
1 and 2) to the Digitizing Unit (DU). This is to ensure that material
received by a DU has been quality assured by the MO prior to digitizing
and also to maintain a clear line of communication. The DU, in
coordination with the state and MO, completes the digitizing and, after
the MO completes the Soil Business (revisions to correlation document,
NASIS edits, and final SSURGO download), forwards the digital data to
the National Cartography and Geospatial Center (NGGC) for archival and
distribution.

The general procedures described above apply when the actual digitizing
is done by the DU. A slightly different procedure is followed when the
digitizing is done by the state.

**DETAILED PROCESS STEPS FOR SUBMITTING SSURGO MATERIALS**

**FOR REVIEW BY MLRA OFFICE 6**

**Detailed Process Steps To Be Used When The Digitizing Unit is the
Digitizing Site**

I.  **[Soil Survey Project Office (or other Compilation
    Unit)]{.underline}**

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A.  Performs compilation, or recompilation, according to the latest NSSH
    procedures.

B.  Performs a 100% edit check of the digitizing source materials.

C.  Certifies 100% edit check by signing certification form (attachment
    1).

D.  Prepares join statements.

E.  Documents type of joins (exact or acceptable) with adjoining surveys
    (attachment 1).

F.  Drafts a letter documenting any needed additions, deletions, or
    changes to the legend with particular attention to dams, water, and
    miscellaneous water.

G.  Updates the special symbol legend SOI-37A. This includes adding
    acres and ad hoc symbols to the definition page (back part of
    SOI-37A).

> [After performing the above process steps, the following materials are
> sent by the project office (compilation unit) to the State
> Office:]{.underline}

1.  Cover letter listing all materials sent to State Office.

2.  All digitizing source materials which includes the orthophotography
    photobase, compilation sheets (soil lines and symbols compiled onto
    clear mylar separates) and any needed original field sheets, or high
    quality copies of original field sheets, that will be used to check
    the compilation. For surveys whose digitizing source materials are
    publication positives or scribe coats, original field sheets are not
    needed.

3.  Signed certification form (attachment 1).

4.  A brief summary of the materials and steps used in the compilation
    (recompilation) process.

5.  A copy of the join statements.

6.  A copy of the legend and 37A used during the compilation process.

7.  A letter documenting any needed additions, deletions, or changes to
    the legend.

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II. **[State Office]{.underline}**

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A.  Ensures that a 100% edit check of the digitizing source materials
    has been completed. State office has the option of performing its
    own check if so desired.

B.  Certifies 100% edit check by signing certification form (attachment
    2).

C.  Completes the following sections of the metadata: 1, 2, 4, 12-36. In
    the Data Quality Information section tailor the information to the
    survey, i.e. types of map units and the kind and amount of
    documentation.

> [After performing the above process steps, the following materials are
> sent by the State Office to the MO:]{.underline}

1.  Cover letter listing all materials sent to the MO office.

2.  All digitizing source materials which includes the orthophotography
    photobase and compilation sheets (soil lines and symbols compiled
    onto clear mylar separates) or the publication positives or scribe
    coats. In order for the MO to perform a 10% quality assurance check
    on the compilation, original field sheets (or high quality copies)
    will also need to be sent. These field sheets, and their associated
    quads, should be a representative sampling of [well scattered pairs
    of adjoining quads]{.underline}, not to be less than 10% of the
    total number of quads in the survey area. Fields sheets are not
    required for surveys whose digitizing source materials are
    publication positives or scribe coats.

3.  Signed certification forms (attachments 1 and 2).

4.  If applicable, a brief summary of the materials and steps used in
    the compilation (recompilation) process.

5.  Index to the quads. The index should have at least one lat-long
    coordinate referenced and show the UTM zone breaks for the SSA.

6.  A letter, or map, identifying the digitizing status of the adjoining
    SSAs.

7.  A copy of the join statements.

8.  A copy of the legend and 37A used during the compilation process.

9.  A copy of the letter documenting any needed additions, deletions, or
    changes to the legend or 37A.

10. Metadata file in both electronic and hard copy format.

11. A copy of the published soil survey, if applicable and needed by the
    MO.

12. If needed by the MO, a copy of the final correlation document.

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III. **[MLRA Office]{.underline}**

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A.  Checks for completeness of materials received from the State Office.

B.  Performs a 10% quality assurance check on the digitizing source
    materials.

C.  Certifies 10% quality assurance check by signing certification form
    (attachment 2).

D.  If needed, returns original field sheets to State Office.

E.  Checks metadata.

F.  If needed, a draft amendment to the correlation document is
    prepared.

G.  Files copy of join statements in soil survey file and/or in NASIS.

H.  If errors are found, the materials are returned to the State Office
    for correction. For some errors the MO coordinates with the State
    Office to correct the errors without the materials being returned to
    the State Office.

I.  After errors are corrected, materials are returned to MO or, with
    the agreement of the MO, forwarded directly to the digitizing site.

J.  A preliminary SSURGO download is performed. Although not necessary
    for digitizing, a preliminary SSURGO download at this time helps to
    facilitate the certification process.

> [After performing the above process steps, the following materials are
> sent by the MO to the DU.]{.underline}

1.  Cover letter listing all materials sent to the DU.

2.  All digitizing source materials.

3.  Signed certification form (attachment 2).

4.  Index to quads showing lat-long and UTM breaks.

5.  A letter, or map, identifying the digitizing status of the adjoining
    SSAs.

6.  Metadata file in both electronic and hard copy format.

7.  Preliminary correlation document, or the conversion legend and SOI
    37A used during the compilation process. (Note\--the correlation
    document is finalized after digitization.)

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IV. **[Digitizing Unit]{.underline}**

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A.  Digitizes source materials.

B.  Performs internal check of digitized materials.

C.  Run AMLs to check for errors or discrepancies.

D.  Coordinates with MO to correct errors.

E.  Completes metadata.

> [After performing the above process steps, the following materials are
> sent by the digitizing site to the MO. Electronic files can be posted
> on an FTP site for transfer to the MO.]{.underline}

1.  If requested by the MO, checkplots and associated digitizing source
    materials for 5-10% of the total number of quads for the purpose of
    performing a quality assurance check of the digitized material.

2.  List of map units digitized with acreage figures.

3.  List of spot symbols digitized.

4.  Metadata.

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V.  **[MLRA Office]{.underline}**

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A.  The MO reserves the right to perform a 10% quality assurance review
    of the digitized data utilizing the Checklist for SSURGO Data
    (attachment 4).

B.  If any errors are noted, materials will be corrected or returned to
    the DU for correction. The DU corrects any errors noted by the MO,
    and reviews all other quads for similar errors. Any errors corrected
    by the digitizing site are documented in a letter to the MO.

> [Once the MO has determined that all corrections have been made by the
> DU, the final SSURGO soil business is completed by the
> MO:]{.underline}

C.  NASIS data is edited to reflect any legend, acreage, or other data
    element changes.

D.  If needed, a final SSURGO download of the map unit record data (MUR
    data) is generated. (Note\--The "eddate" data element, in the ssarea
    table, is populated with the date of the final SSURGO download.)

E.  The special feature table (feature_template) is tailored to match
    those features and ad hoc symbols used in the SSA. The feature file
    is renamed "feature" and placed in the tab directory along with the
    other MUR tables. (Note\--This feature table should match the back
    of the SOI 37A.)

F.  If needed, an amendment to the correlation document and SOI 37A is
    prepared and finalized.

G.  Metadata is completed.

H.  Certifies SSURGO data by signing certification form (attachment 3).
    The MO coordinates with the state to obtain the signature of the
    state soil scientist.

[After performing the above process steps, the following materials are
sent by the MO to the DU for final certification.]{.underline}

1.  Cover letter listing all materials sent to DU.

2.  Any digitizing source materials used by MO for the 10% quality
    review of checkplots.

3.  Signed certification form (attachment 3).

4.  Electronic files with final attribute (SSURGO download) and
    metadata.

5.  If needed, a final correlation document with SOI 37A.

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VI. **[Digitizing Unit]{.underline}**

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A.  Reviews material received from MO.

B.  Certifies SSURGO data by signing certification form (attachment 3).

C.  Forwards the signed certification form to the appropriate state soil
    scientist who obtains the signature of the state conservationist.
    After the form is signed by the state conservationist it is
    forwarded by the state soil scientist directly to the DU with a
    courtesy copy to the MO.

D.  Submits SSURGO data and signed certification form to NCGC for 10%
    quality review, archival and distribution.

E.  Notifies MO and state in writing that SSURGO data has been forwarded
    to NCGC. Returns digitizing source materials to state for archiving.

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VII. **[NCGC]{.underline}**

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A.  Performs 10% quality review.

B.  Coordinates with DU and/or MO to correct any errors found.

C.  Archives and distributes SSURGO data.

**Detailed Process Steps To Be Used When**

**The State Office (or other non-DU site) is the Digitizing Site**

I.  **[Soil Survey Project Office (or other Compilation
    Unit)]{.underline}**

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A.  Performs compilation, or recompilation, according to the latest NSSH
    procedures.

B.  Performs a 100% edit check of the digitizing source materials.

C.  Certifies 100% edit check by signing certification form (attachment
    1).

D.  Prepares join statements.

E.  Documents type of joins (exact or acceptable) with adjoining surveys
    (attachment 1).

F.  Drafts a letter documenting any needed additions, deletions, or
    changes to the legend with particular attention to dams, water, and
    miscellaneous water.

G.  Updates the special symbol legend (SOI-37A). This includes adding
    acres and ad hoc symbols to the definition page (back part of
    SOI-37A).

> [After performing the above process steps, the following materials are
> sent by the project office (compilation unit) to the State
> Office:]{.underline}

1.  Cover letter listing all materials sent to State Office.

2.  All digitizing source materials which includes the orthophotography
    photobase, compilation sheets (soil lines and symbols compiled onto
    clear mylar separates) and any needed original field sheets, or high
    quality copies of original field sheets, that will be used to check
    the compilation. For surveys whose digitizing source materials are
    publication positives or scribe coats, original field sheets are not
    needed.

3.  Signed certification form (attachment 1).

4.  A brief summary of the materials and steps used in the compilation
    (recompilation) process.

5.  A copy of the join statements.

6.  A copy of the legend and 37A used during the compilation process.

7.  A letter documenting any needed additions, deletions, or changes to
    the legend.

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```
II. **[State Office]{.underline}**

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A.  Ensures that a 100% edit check of the digitizing source materials
    has been completed. State office has the option of performing its
    own check if so desired.

B.  Certifies 100% edit check by signing certification form (attachment
    2).

> [After performing the above process steps, the following materials are
> sent by the State Office to the MO:]{.underline}

1.  Cover letter listing all materials sent to the MO office.

2.  Digitizing source materials (orthophotography photobase and
    compilation sheets or the publication positives or scribe coats) for
    at least 10% of the total number of quads need to be sent to the MO.
    In order for the MO to perform a 10% quality assurance check on the
    compilation, original field sheets (or high quality copies) will
    also need to be sent. These field sheets, and their associated
    quads, should be a representative sampling of [well scattered pairs
    of adjoining quads]{.underline}. Fields sheets are not required for
    surveys whose digitizing source materials are publication positives
    or scribe coats.

3.  Signed certification forms (attachments 1 and 2).

4.  If applicable, a brief summary of the materials and steps used in
    the compilation (recompilation) process.

5.  Index to the quads. The index should have at least one lat-long
    coordinate referenced and show the UTM zone breaks for the SSA.

6.  A letter, or map, identifying the digitizing status of the adjoining
    SSAs.

7.  A copy of the join statements.

8.  A copy of the legend and 37A used during the compilation process.

9.  A copy of the letter documenting any needed additions, deletions, or
    changes to the legend or 37A.

10. A copy of the published soil survey, if applicable and needed by the
    MO.

11. If needed by the MO, a copy of the final correlation document.

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III. **[MLRA Office]{.underline}**

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A.  Checks for completeness of materials received from the State Office.

B.  Performs a 10% quality assurance check on the digitizing source
    materials.

C.  Certifies 10% quality assurance check by signing certification form
    (attachment 2).

D.  A preliminary SSURGO download is performed. Although not necessary
    for digitizing, a preliminary SSURGO download at this time helps to
    facilitate the certification process.

E.  If needed, a draft amendment to the correlation document is
    prepared.

F.  Files copy of join statements in soil survey file and/or in NASIS.

G.  If errors are found the materials are returned to the State Office
    for correction. The State Office corrects any errors noted by the
    MO, and reviews all other quads for similar errors. Any errors
    corrected by the State Office are documented in a letter to the MO.

> [After performing the above process steps, the following materials are
> sent by the MO to the State Office.]{.underline}

1.  Cover letter listing all materials sent to the State Office.

2.  Digitizing source materials (including original field sheets)
    submitted for 10% quality assurance review.

3.  Signed certification form (attachment 2).

4.  If needed, a draft of an amended correlation document and 37A.

5.  If needed by State, preliminary SSURGO attribute files.

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IV. **[State Office (Digitizing Site)]{.underline}**

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A.  Digitizes source materials.

B.  Performs internal check of digitized materials.

C.  Run AMLs to check for errors or discrepancies.

D.  Completes metadata. In the Data Quality Information section tailor
    the information to the survey, i.e. types of map units and the kind
    and amount of documentation.

> [After performing the above process steps, the following materials are
> sent by the State Office to the MO. Electronic files can be posted on
> an FTP site for transfer to the MO.]{.underline}

1.  Cover letter listing all materials sent to the MO Office.

2.  All digitizing source materials.

3.  If requested by the MO, checkplots for 5-10% of the total number of
    quads for the purpose of performing a quality assurance check of the
    digitized material.

4.  List of map units digitized with acreage figures.

5.  List of spot symbols digitized.

6.  Electronic spatial and metadata files.

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V.  **[MLRA Office]{.underline}**

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A.  The MO reserves the right to perform a 10% quality assurance review
    of the digitized data utilizing the Checklist for SSURGO Data
    (attachment 4).

B.  [If errors are found]{.underline}, the materials are returned to the
    State Office for correction. The State Office corrects any errors
    noted by the MO, and reviews all other quads for similar errors. Any
    errors corrected by the State Office are documented in a letter to
    the MO. Corrected DLG, attribute, and metadata files are forwarded
    to the MO.

> [Once the MO has determined that all corrections have been made by the
> State Office, the final SSURGO soil business is completed by the
> MO:]{.underline}

C.  NASIS data is edited to reflect any legend, acreage, or other data
    element changes.

D.  If needed, a final SSURGO download of the map unit record data (MUR
    data) is generated. (Note\--The "eddate" data element, in the ssarea
    table, is populated with the date of the final SSURGO download.)

E.  The special feature table (feature_template) is tailored to match
    those features and ad hoc symbols used in the SSA. The feature file
    is renamed "feature" and placed in the tab directory along with the
    other MUR tables. (Note\--This feature table should match the back
    of the SOI 37A.)

F.  If needed, an amendment to the correlation document and SOI 37A is
    prepared and finalized.

G.  Metadata is completed.

H.  Certifies SSURGO data by signing certification form (attachment 3).
    The MO coordinates with the state to obtain the signature of the
    state soil scientist.

> [After performing the above process steps, the following materials are
> sent by the MO to the DU for final certification.]{.underline}

1.  Cover letter listing materials sent to the DU.

2.  Signed certification form (attachment 3).

3.  All digitizing source materials.

4.  Electronic spatial, attribute, and metadata files.

5.  Index to quads showing lat-long and UTM breaks.

6.  A letter, or map, identifying the digitizing status of the adjoining
    SSAs.

7.  If needed, a copy of the published soil survey report.

8.  Final correlation document.

**[VI. Digitizing Unit]{.underline}**

A.  Reviews material received from MO.

B.  Certifies SSURGO data by signing certification form (attachment 3).

C.  Forwards the signed certification form to the appropriate state soil
    scientist who obtains the signature of the state conservationist.
    After the form is signed by the state conservationist it is
    forwarded by the state soil scientist directly to the DU with a
    courtesy copy to the MO.

D.  Submits SSURGO data and signed certification form to NCGC for 10%
    quality review, archival and distribution.

E.  Notifies MO and state in writing that SSURGO data has been forwarded
    to NCGC. Returns digitizing source materials to state for archiving.

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VII. **[NCGC]{.underline}**

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A.  Performs 10% quality review.

B.  Coordinates with DU and/or MO to correct any errors found.

C.  Archives and distributes SSURGO data.

**EXPLANATION OF ATTACHMENTS**

Attachment 1---Certification of Digitizing Source Material Edit by Soil
Survey Project Office or Map Compiler to State Office

> This form serves to document the 100 percent edit conducted by the
> soil survey project office or map compiler of the digitizing source
> materials. This document is signed and forwarded to the State Soil
> Scientist. There are two types of edits that are addressed in this
> document. One involves the review of materials that are compiled or
> recompiled. The other involves the review of source materials from
> published soil surveys, such as publication positives or scribe coats.
> Both types of edits should ensure that map unit delineations and their
> symbols match across map boundaries and an exact or acceptable join
> (choose one for each adjacent survey) has been achieved with adjacent
> surveys. For the purpose of accurately completing the form, place N/A
> next to the type of edit that does not apply.

Attachment 2---Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) Certification of
Digitizing Source Material

> After receiving attachment 2 from the soil survey project office or
> map compiler, the State Soil Scientist certifies that a 100 percent
> edit of the digitizing source materials has been completed. After
> certification by the State Soil Scientist, the form is forwarded to
> the appropriate MLRA office for their 10 percent review and
> certification. For the purpose of accurately completing the form,
> place N/A next to the type of edit that does not apply.

Attachment 3---Certification of Soil Survey Geographic Data (SSURGO)

> This form is used to document the certification of the spatial,
> attribute, and metadata information. The State Soil Scientist, MLRA
> office, and digitizing unit coordinate to certify this information.

Attachment 4---Checklist for SSURGO Data

> This is Exhibit 647-12 of the 1998 NSSH. This checklist is to be used
> as a guide for reviewing digitized data.

Attachment 5---Roles and Responsibilities in the SSURGO Process

> This is a copy of pages 647-2 and 647-3 of the 1998 NSSH that outlines
> roles and responsibilities for soil map development.

Attachment 1

**CERTIFICATION OF DIGITIZING SOURCE MATERIAL EDIT**

**BY SOIL SURVEY PROJECT OFFICE OR**

**MAP COMPILER TO STATE OFFICE**

**FOR**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Soil Survey Area Name (STSSAID)

1.  A 100 percent edit of the map compilation (or recompilation)
    materials has been completed by this office in accordance with Part
    647 of the 1998 NSSH.

    or

    A 100 percent edit of the digitizing source material (publication
    positives or scribe coats) for this published survey has been
    completed by this office in accordance with Part 647 of the 1998
    NSSH.

2.  An "acceptable^1^" join has been made with the following adjacent
    soil survey areas:

> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

3.  An "exact^1^" join has been made with the following adjacent soil
    survey areas:

> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Soil Survey Project Leader Date

or

Map Compiler

1 As defined in part 609.05 of the 1998 NSSH.

Attachment 2

**SOIL SURVEY GEOGRAPHIC DATABASE (SSURGO)**

**CERTIFICATION OF DIGITIZING SOURCE MATERIAL**

**FOR**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Soil Survey Area Name (STSSAID)

**[Part I. (State)]{.underline}**

The following statements apply to map compilation and recompilation
materials.

1\. The map compilation was performed according to the NRCS
specifications as described in the National Soil Survey Handbook, Part
647, 1998.

2\. The soil survey was compiled to NRCS approved base maps.

3\. Map unit delineations and their symbols match across map boundaries
and an exact or acceptable join (choose one for each adjacent survey)
has been achieved with adjacent surveys.

4\. A 100 percent edit has been completed.

The following statements apply to the review of digitizing source
materials (publication positives or scribe coats) for published soil
surveys.

1.  Map unit delineations and their symbols match across map boundaries
    and an exact or acceptable join (choose one for each adjacent
    survey) has been achieved with adjacent surveys.

2.  A 100 percent edit has been completed.

I certify that all the above statements are true for the soil survey
area.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

State Soil Scientist Date

**[Part II. (MLRA Office)]{.underline}**

1.  A 10 percent SSURGO compilation/digitizing source quality review has
    been completed.

I certify that all the above statements are true for the following map
sheets. (List map sheets reviewed.)

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

MLRA Office Leader Date

Attachment 3

**CERTIFICATION OF SOIL SURVEY GEOGRAPHIC DATA (SSURGO) FOR**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Soil Survey Area Name (STSSAID)

**SPATIAL DATA**

1.  Digitizing meets the NRCS standards and specifications as described
    in Part 647.07 of the 1998 NSSH.

2.  Quality control included a 100 percent edit.

3.  Quality assurance included a 10 percent technical review by the
    Major Land Resource Area Office and a 10 percent digital data review
    by the National Cartography and Geospatial Center.

4.  Soil, survey, and water boundaries are digitized within a 0.01-inch
    (0.254 mm) line width of the published or revised soil survey.

5.  Where a soil boundary line intersects a quadrangle boundary, the
    line matches the line in the adjoining quadrangle within 0.01 inch
    (0.254 mm) measured centerline to centerline.

6.  Map data are stored in a vector (line segment) format.

7.  Map data are in Digital Line Graph optional format.

8.  Digital Line Graph optional format files contain major/minor pairs
    in area records. A conversion legend is provided for each Digital
    Line Graph file. Files have been properly named.

9.  Digital soil data sets are in or have been formatted into quarter or
    full 7.5-minute quadrangle format.

10. Map data have been sent to the National Cartography and Geospatial
    Center for archival.

**ATTRIBUTE DATA**

1.  Data base tables are current and accurate.

2.  Data base tables have been sent to the National Cartography and
    Geospatial Center for archival.

**METADATA**

1.  Metadata template has been completed and sent to the National
    Cartography and Geospatial Center for archival.

I certify that the data have passed a 100 percent state edit.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

State Soil Scientist Date

I certify that the data have passed a 10 percent MLRA Office review.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

MLRA Office Leader Date

I certify that the data meets all of the above certification
specifications and are ready for archival and distribution by the
National Cartography and Geospatial Center.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Digitizing Unit Leader Date

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

State Conservationist Date

Attachment 4

**Checklist for SSURGO Data (Exhibit 647-12)**

Accuracy:

\_\_\_\_\_ Digital data matches the source documents.

\_\_\_\_\_ Soil delineations and map unit composition have an exact or
acceptable (choose one) join

across soil survey area boundaries.

\_\_\_\_\_ Digital data meets map accuracy standards.

Digitizing:

\_\_\_\_\_ Meets NRCS standards.

\_\_\_\_\_ Data are in vector format.

\_\_\_\_\_ Data are edge matched to adjoining quads.

\_\_\_\_\_ Four corners of map neatline are explicitly entered.

\_\_\_\_\_ Nodes are present in required locations.

\_\_\_\_\_ Area features and line and point features are in separate
layers.

Labeling:

\_\_\_\_\_ Every map feature is labeled.

\_\_\_\_\_ Descriptive labels match the publication or approved updated
legend.

\_\_\_\_\_ Labels are correctly placed.

Formatting:

\_\_\_\_\_ Map data are in 3.75-minute or full 7.5 minute quadrangle
format.

\_\_\_\_\_ Map data are in Universal Transverse Mercator meters.

\_\_\_\_\_ Datum on which coordinates are based is the North American
Datum of 1983 with a GRS

1980 spheroid or the North American Datum of 1927 with a Clarke 1866
spheroid.

\_\_\_\_\_ No x\_ or y\_ coordinate shifts.

Attributing:

\_\_\_\_\_ Each feature data layer has a corresponding attribute file.

\_\_\_\_\_ Each attribute file has one data record for each feature in
the DLG-3 file.

\_\_\_\_\_ Each tab delimited record in the attribute file contains a
sequential record number, a major

code, a minor code, and a descriptive label.

\_\_\_\_\_ The major/minor code pairs in the attribute file match the
major/minor code pairs in the

DLG-3 file.

\_\_\_\_\_ The descriptive labels in the attribute file are either the
map unit symbols or the line and

point feature names.

\_\_\_\_\_ Major/minor code pairs are correctly assigned.

\_\_\_\_\_ Areas beyond the limit of the soil survey and within the
quadrangle boundaries are labeled

\"BLANK\" or a numeric label.

Spatial Data:

\_\_\_\_\_ Spatial data are in DLG-3 optional format.

\_\_\_\_\_ Universe polygon is the first area record in the data records
section of the DLG-3.

\_\_\_\_\_ Map features begin at the second area data record of the
DLG-3 file.

\_\_\_\_\_ No extra boundary polygon is written to the DLG-3.

\_\_\_\_\_ Major/minor code pairs are correctly written to the DLG-3.

Attachment 4

Tabular Data:

\_\_\_\_\_ The \"eddate\" element of the \"ssarea\" table has the date
of the data download.

\_\_\_\_\_ Data base tables are current and accurate.

\_\_\_\_\_ Only one soil survey area is written to a tape.

Metadata:

\_\_\_\_\_ Metadata file is accurate and complete.

Quality Control:

\_\_\_\_\_ Edit has been completed by the project soil scientist.

\_\_\_\_\_ Review has been completed by the MLRA Office.

Archiving:

\_\_\_\_\_ Metadata file has been created and has been written to tape.

\_\_\_\_\_ Method and format used to write the tapes are documented.

\_\_\_\_\_ Each tape is properly labeled.

\_\_\_\_\_ Review has been completed by the National Cartography and
Geospatial Center.

Attachment 5

**ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE SSURGO PROCESS**

**(1)** The **Natural Resources Conservation Service** (NRCS) has the
Federal responsibility for the National Cooperative Soil Survey and
Federal leadership for collecting, storing, maintaining, and
distributing soil information on privately owned lands in the United
States. These activities include preparing compilation bases for map
finishing and digitizing, performing the quality assurance of soil
survey maps, and preparing map materials for publication.

NRCS also has the lead Federal responsibility in collecting, archiving,
and distributing the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) databases.

The Federal Geographic Data Committee and the Office of Management and
Budget have formally assigned the responsibility for national
coordination of digital soil data to the NRCS. Refer to Office of
Management and Budget Circular A-16 for more information

**(2) Soil Survey Project Office**

The soil survey project office is responsible for:

---achieving an exact or an acceptable join as described in the NSSH
609.05 for soil surveys in progress,

---supervising map compilation (or coordinate with dedicated map
compilation units if established) for soil surveys in progress in
preparation for digitizing and publication as described in NSSH part
647,

---quality control of map compilation activities (100% check) for soil
survey in progress,

---quality control of all phases (soil business) of soil survey in
progress,

---assisting in development of field correlation under direction of the
MLRA office,

---initiating documentation on joins, and

---the total scientific quality, including accuracy, completeness, and
logic, of all soil survey maps in the soil survey area. Part 609.05
provides additional information.

**(3) MLRA Office**

The MLRA office is responsible for:

---assurance for all phases of active soil survey projects,

---assuring that exact or acceptable joins are achieved,

---performing correlation activities in a manner that will lead to a
coordinated soil survey throughout MLRAs and between MLRAs,

---approving all correlation documents, including amendments to
previously correlated surveys, in coordination with the appropriate
state conservationist,

---assuring the quality of all map compilation/recompilation through a
10% check and certification (a locally administered certification
process may be established where dedicated compilation units exist),

---assuring the quality of soil data bases,

---assisting states in the preparation of metadata,

---informing states of any deficiencies in work submitted for review.
Assisting states with the resolution of these problems,

---coordinating with states as needed for delivery of all map materials,
soil data, and metadata to the digitizing unit for processing, and

---initiating plans for completing an exact join between soil surveys
that have been joined for expediency with an acceptable join.

**(4) State Offices**

The State Office is responsible for:

---determining priorities for soil survey areas to be digitized within
each state,

---identifying and working with organizations outside of NRCS that can
help us achieve our digitizing goals and coordinating with digitizing
units and MLRA offices concerning these activities,

---deploying sufficient staff to achieve agreed-upon goals for the
digitizing initiative,

---obtaining all map materials needed in the state to perform map
compilation/recompilation activities, including those needed for a check
of joins with other survey areas,

---coordinating with soil survey project offices in the state concerning
the flow of map compilation work for soil surveys in progress,

---supervising recompilation (or coordinating with dedicated map
compilation units if established),

---reviewing joins with surrounding surveys and make corrections to
achieve an acceptable join for recompilation of existing surveys,

Attachment 5

---quality control of map recompilation activities (100% check),

---initiating correlation amendments/supplements through the MLRA office
as needed for SSURGO for recompiled soil surveys,

---preparing and providing metadata for all compiled/recompiled surveys
from the state which are submitted to digitizing units (through the MLRA
office) for digitizing,

---downloading soils data for SSURGO for all compiled/recompiled surveys
from the state which are submitted to digitizing units (through the MLRA
office) for digitizing, and

---certifying, following quality review and completion of digitizing.

**(5) Digitizing Units**

Digitizing units are responsible for:

---coordinating compilation/recompilation and soil business activities
with states and MLRA offices to ensure an orderly flow of work for all
soil surveys which are to be digitized through the digitizing unit,

---performing pre-certification review of submitted materials,

---notifying MLRA offices of any problems discovered during
pre-certification review which require action by the MLRA office or
states prior to certification,

---digitizing compiled map materials including scanning soil lines,
labeling, and edge matching,

---performing quality control of final digital data including spatial,
tabular, and metadata,

---coordinating with the MLRA office to obtain a SSURGO certification
letter from the state conservationist of the state whose survey is
digitized, and

---submitting certified SSURGO data to National Cartography and
Geospatial Center for 10% quality review, and for archival and
distribution.

**(6) National Cartography and Geospatial Center**

The National Cartography and Geospatial Center is responsible for:

---providing training in SSURGO quality assurance activities,

---providing technical assistance to states, MLRA offices, and
digitizing units in spatial, tabular, and metadata development to meet
SSURGO specifications,

---communicating changes/updates and enhancements to SSURGO
certification routines and procedures,

---performing 10% review of SSURGO materials received from digitizing
units,

---archiving and distributing certified SSURGO data,

---developing and updating map compilation, digitizing, and map
finishing procedures, and

---coordinating and implementing software updates to reflect changes in
standards.

**(7) Regional Offices**

The regional offices are responsible for:

---allocating funds to states, MLRAs, and digitizing units to be used
for soil survey digitizing and SSURGO development,

---incorporating soil survey digitizing and SSURGO development
performance measures in strategic plan, and

---providing oversight and evaluation to ensure that desired outcomes
are met.

**(8) National Soil Survey Center**

The National Soil Survey Center is responsible for:

--- developing standards, guidelines, and procedures for all aspects of
soil survey work, soil map development, and SSURGO certification,

--- developing and applying geographic information systems for use with
soil survey activities; and

--- developing, maintaining, and improving soil survey geographic
databases.

**(9) National Headquarters**

The Soil Survey Division and National Soil Information Coordinator are
responsible for:

---reviewing and monitoring the SSURGO development process,

---issuing policy, and

---coordinating with states, MLRA offices, regional offices, National
Cartography And Geospatial Center, and National Soil Survey Center on
soil survey compilation, digitizing, and map finishing issues.