Irish Soil Map 1:250,000
========================

Thank you for downloading the Irish Soil Map (Version 1b). 

UPdate Notes
============
Version 1b released 30/09/2014
Minor modifications to Assoiation level coding structures


Background
==========
This data arises from the 'Irish Soil Information System' project, co-funded by  Teagasc and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science, Technology and Research & Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) programme. 

Citation
========
If you use this data, please cite as follows:
"Irish National Soils Map, 1:250,000k, V1b(2014).Teagasc, Cranfield University.Jointly funded by the EPA STRIVE Research Programme 2007-2013 and Teagasc."

A new national soil map and information system for Ireland
==========================================================
The new Irish Soil Information System concludes a 5 year programme, supported by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (STRIVE Research Programme 2007-2013) and Teagasc, to develop a new 1:250,000 scale national soil map (http://soils.teagasc.ie). Farming activities are critical in developing and shaping the rural landscape and environment of Ireland. Historically, farmers have engaged in soil resource protection out of necessity to sustain production capacity through generations. However, the way environmental protection is implemented at farm level is changing as EU member states enter an era of legislation driven by environmental protection initiatives at European and global scales, such as the United Nations Global Soil Partnership (see Nature 492, 186; 2012).

Key to the success of such strategies is precise knowledge on the location and characteristics of the soil resource. To date, Ireland has only had national soil mapping at 1:575,000, with only half the country mapped in any greater detail. The Irish Soil Information System project lead partner Teagasc, with UK Cranfield University and University College Dublin, have developed a new national soil map, as well as a series of web tools to allow interaction with the data.

The Irish Soil Information System adopted a unique methodology combining digital soil mapping techniques with traditional soil survey application. Developing earlier work conducted by An Foras Talúntais, the project generated soil-landscape models for previously surveyed counties. These soil-landscape (‘soilscape’) models formed the basis for training statistical ‘inference engines’ for predicting soil mapping units, checked during field survey.

213 soil series are identified, each with differing characteristics, having contrasting environmental and agronomic responses. Properties were recorded in a database able to satisfy national and EU policy requirements. The Irish soil map and related soil property data will also serve public interest, providing the means to learn online about Irish soil resources.

Data content
============
The data you have downloaded are distributed in the popular Geographical Information System (GIS) 'Shapefile' format from ESRI. The data may therefore be loaded into the ESRI ArcGIS GIS suite, or indeed any other GIS software that supports Shapefiles (e.g. the Open Source 'QGis' software - http://www.qgis.org/en/site/). 

Contained in the zip file is a 'layer file' containing the colour scheme for the soil associations in ESRI ArcGIS format.


Projection
==========
The data are held in the Irish National Grid:
TM65_Irish_Grid
WKID: 29902 Authority: EPSG
Projection: Transverse_Mercator
False_Easting: 200000.0
False_Northing: 250000.0
Central_Meridian: -8.0
Scale_Factor: 1.000035
Latitude_Of_Origin: 53.5
Linear Unit: Meter (1.0)


Project website and further resources
=====================================
The project website is http://soils.teagasc.ie/
Here you will find extensive information and tools to help you understand and interpret this data. See http://gis.teagasc.ie/soils/help.php to get started.


Project team
============
The Irish Soils information System project was undertaken for the EPA by scientists from Teagasc and Cranfield University. The team comprised

Teagasc:
Dr Rachel Creamer; Réamonn Fealy; Dr Rogier Schulte; Dr Iolanda Simo; Dr. Brian Reidy; Eddie McDonald; Patrick Sills

Cranfield University:
Dr Thomas Mayr; Dr Jacqueline Hannam; Dr Bob Jones; Dr Steve Hallett; Dr Ronald Corstanje; Ann Holden; Ian Truckell; Joanna Zawadzka; Jason Carvalho 


For further information, please contact us:
===========================================

soils@teagasc.ie

================================================================================
================================================================================

Terms
=====

Use of these data implies acceptance of the terms below.

Terms of Use
============
The data are provided for personal and research purposes only. Any other application of these data should be agreed in writing with Teagasc (contact above).

General
-------
This statement relates to terms of use of data provided on and in connection with the Irish Soil Information System project and website. By using this website, you accept the practices described in this statement. Teagasc reserves the right to amend this statement at any future date and will publish any changes here.

Teagasc maintains its websites to enhance public access to information about Teagasc and its activities and to provide services to its customers. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided on Teagasc websites is accurate and up-to-date. If you notice any errors or omissions please let Teagasc know as soon as possible. Teagasc gives no guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up-to-date nature of information provided on its websites and does not accept any liability whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions.

Teagasc reserves the right to change all or any of the information provided at any time, but shall not be responsible for or liable in respect of any such change in information. Teagasc has no liability for any loss occasioned from the use of information appearing on these websites. Any links from these websites to external websites are provided as a matter of convenience only, and should not be taken as an endorsement of the contents or practices of those external websites.

Disclaimer
----------
This soil map is designed for general information and strategic planning usage. The boundaries are based on compiled, photogrammetric or modelled evidence and local details have been generalised to fit the map scale.

Enlargement of these maps to scales greater than that at which they were originally mapped can cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged, maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soil that could have been shown at a larger scale.

The depicted soil boundaries and interpretations derived from them do not eliminate the need for onsite sampling, testing, and detailed study of specific sites for intensive uses. Thus, this map and its interpretations are intended for general planning and information purposes only. Users are responsible for the appropriate application of this map.

Digital data files are periodically updated. Files are dated, and users are responsible for obtaining the latest version of the data.

While every effort is made in preparing the dataset no responsibility is accepted by or on behalf of Teagasc or the Environmental Protection Agency for any errors, omissions or misleading information. Teagasc or The Environmental Protection Agency accept no responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage occasioned or claimed to have been occasioned, in part or in full, as a consequence of any person acting, or refraining from acting, as a result of a matter contained in this dataset or as a consequence of using this dataset for any purpose whatsoever.
