How to Access and Use the UK's Open-Source National Soil Database

Introduction

Soil is the foundation of agriculture, ecology, and land management. For decades, detailed soil data for England and Wales was locked behind institutional gates. That changed when Cranfield University, in partnership with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), released the Land Information System (LandISPortal) as an open-access repository. This platform includes the renowned National Soil Map (NATMAP), now free for anyone to explore. Whether you're a farmer, researcher, student, or policy maker, this how-to guide will walk you through everything you need to start using this invaluable resource.

What You Need

Before diving in, gather the following:

• A computer or tablet with an internet connection (a stable broadband connection is recommended for loading maps smoothly).
• A modern web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari (updated to the latest version).
• Basic familiarity with online maps and websites – no technical expertise required.
• An email address (optional) if you wish to register for advanced features or download large datasets; basic access is completely anonymous.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Navigate to the LandISPortal

Open your web browser and go to the official LandISPortal website. The direct URL is https://www.landis.org.uk. You'll land on the homepage, which introduces the platform and its key features. Look for the prominent “Open Access” banner – this confirms you're in the right place.

Step 2: Understand the Interface

Once on the site, you'll see a menu with options like “Soil Maps”, “Data Download”, “API”, and “Help”. The main map view dominates the screen. Take a moment to explore the toolbar on the left side – it contains zoom controls, a search bar, and layer toggles. The map defaults to the National Soil Map (NATMAP) at a broad scale. You can pan and zoom using your mouse or touch gestures.

Step 3: Use the Search Function to Locate an Area

To find a specific location, click on the search icon (magnifying glass) or the address bar at the top. Type a place name, postcode, or grid reference (e.g., “SW1A 1AA” for London, or “SK123456”). The map will fly to that location and zoom in. Alternatively, you can manually pan by clicking and dragging the map.

Step 4: Explore Soil Data Layers

On the right side of the screen, you'll find the “Layers” panel. By default, the topographical map is shown. Click on “Soil” to see available soil-related layers. The main layer is NATMAP, which displays soil associations. Other layers may include “Soil Series”, “Soil Parent Material”, and “Land Use”. Check the boxes next to the layers you want to display. You can also adjust opacity for a better view.

Step 5: Obtain Detailed Soil Information for a Specific Point

Click on any point on the map – a pop-up window will appear showing detailed soil data for that location. This includes the soil series name, texture, drainage class, and typical land use. For NATMAP, you'll see the association name and a brief description. To get even deeper, look for a link that says “View Full Soil Profile” – this opens a report with horizon details, chemical properties, and more.

Step 6: Download Soil Data for Offline Use

If you need the data for a project or analysis, the platform offers free downloads. Go to the “Data Download” section from the main menu. Here you can request extracts of the National Soil Map in common GIS formats (e.g., Shapefile, GeoJSON) or as spreadsheet summaries. You'll need to register with an email address to access bulk downloads. Follow the on-screen instructions: select your area of interest (by drawing a rectangle or uploading a boundary file), choose the data layers, and submit your request. You'll receive a download link via email within a few hours.

Step 7: Use the API for Programmatic Access

For developers or researchers who want to integrate soil data into their own applications, the LandISPortal provides a RESTful API. Navigate to the “API” section for documentation. You'll need to obtain an API key (free registration required). The API allows you to query soil properties by coordinates, download layers programmatically, and build custom tools. Follow the example scripts provided in the documentation to get started quickly.

Step 8: Explore Additional Resources and Help

If you run into any trouble or want to learn more, click on “Help” in the top menu. Here you'll find user guides, video tutorials, FAQs, and contact information for support. The platform also includes a “Glossary of Soil Terms” to decode scientific jargon. Bookmark these resources for future reference.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Database

• Start with the default map to orient yourself – zooming in will reveal finer details. Soil associations are visible at 1:250,000 scale, but more detailed series data appears at larger scales (e.g., 1:10,000 in some areas).
• Combine layers for richer analysis. For example, overlay soil data with land use or geology layers to understand relationships.
• Use the “Print Map” function to create high-resolution PDFs of your area for reports or presentations.
• Check for updates – the database is periodically refreshed as new survey data becomes available. Sign up for the newsletter (optional) to stay informed.
• Respect licensing terms: The data is open access under the Open Government Licence v3.0, meaning you can use it freely as long as you attribute the source: “Cranfield University (LandIS) and Defra”.
• If you experience slow loading, try turning off some background layers or use a wired connection. The map performs best on desktop browsers.
• For educational use, take advantage of the pre-defined map tours available in the Help section – they illustrate key soil features across England and Wales.

By following these steps, you'll be able to unlock a wealth of soil information that was previously inaccessible. The open-access LandISPortal is a game-changer for environmental science, planning, and sustainable land management. Happy exploring!