A New Soil Cartography at 1:100,000 scale for mainland Portugal

Abstract

The information available on soil classification and mapping in Portugal remains insufficient, scattered, and heterogeneous. Gaps persist in data quality, timeliness, and consistency, undermining environmental management and land-use planning. The various sources show overlaps, differing methodologies, and deficiencies in characterization and classification. The current General Soil Map (scale 1:1,000,000) is outdated and poorly suited to present needs. It is therefore essential to coordinate, standardize, update, and make all existing cartographic information available for the country, ensuring greater accuracy, coherence, and usefulness for the integrated and sustainable management of national and European territory.