Title of Fact Sheet That is 

Longer Than Usual

Defining an AOI for 

Web Soil Survey

on a Mobile Device

1

National Soil Survey Center
Defining an AOI for Web Soil Survey on a Mobile Device

Two Options

Two options are available for defining an area of interest on the Web Soil Survey while using a mobile 

device.

Option 1 

Attach a regular or wireless mouse to the smart device. With a mouse, you can use the Define AOI

buttons just as you would if using a desktop computer.

Option 2 

Use the web-based SoilWeb app to select a point location. The app can then create an area of interest 

(AOI) in WSS around that point. 

SoilWeb

Access the SoilWeb app using a web browser, such as Chrome, IE, Safari, or Samsung Internet. The 

app is on the UC Davis California Soil Resource Lab website at 

https://casoilresource.lawr.ucdavis.edu/soilweb-apps/. 

1. Click SoilWeb. The application runs from your browser and is not downloaded onto your device.
3 Defining an AOI for Web Soil Survey on a Mobile Device

2. Click OK in the welcome box.

3. You can pick a location in two ways.

I. Zoom to My Location (only for devices that have GPS).

II. Search by Location (address, city/state, zip code, landmark, or latitude/longitude).

I. Zoom to My Location

1. Click the Zoom to my location using the current geolocation settings button in the 

upper left corner of the map.
4 Defining an AOI for Web Soil Survey on a Mobile Device

2. The following message appears. Make sure to allow permission to determine your location.

3. Once your location is determined, a message appears stating that your location was determined

and to what accuracy. Signal strength determines the accuracy; repeating step 1 may increase

your accuracy. An orange marker shows your location.

4. After your location is determined, you can (1) continue using the SoilWeb application to get soil

information or (2) click Link to WSS in the upper right corner of the map to get soil information

through WSS. The link creates an Area of Interest (AOI) in WSS. See the section “Web Soil

Survey” below.
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Subheadline of Fact Sheet

Defining an AOI for Web Soil Survey on a Mobile Device

II. Search by Location

1. If you do not use the Zoom to my location using the current geolocation settings button,

you can search for a location by clicking the Menu button in the upper left-hand corner of 

the app. Next, select Zoom to Location. 

2. A search box opens that allows you to enter a location or a latitude and longitude. Choose your

search option and click Go.
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3. A map of the location is displayed. After the map appears, you can (1) continue using the

SoilWeb application to get soil information or (2) click Link to WSS in the upper right corner of 

the map to access soil information through WSS. This link creates an Area of Interest (AOI) in 

WSS. See the section “Web Soil Survey” below.

Web Soil Survey

1. Regardless of which method you use to find a location, the Link to WSS button opens the

Web Soil Survey in a separate browser window. An AOI is generated around the location. The

AOI is outlined in a light blue cross-hatched box.

2. If you need a larger AOI, go back to the SoilWeb application, zoom out, and then click Link to

WSS again.
Accessibility Statement

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is committed to making its 

information accessible to all of its customers and employees. If you are experiencing 

accessibility issues and need assistance, please call the USDA Service Desk at 1-800-

457-3642. For assistance with publications that include maps, graphs, or similar forms

of information, you may also wish to contact your state or local office (https://www.nrcs.

usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/contact/local).

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(USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and 

employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are 

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Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for 

program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, 

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877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other

than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program 

Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/

complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA 

and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy 

of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to 

USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
USDA is an equal opportunity 

provider, employer, and lender. 

[NSSC] • [March 2019]