Note: this dataset description is metadata (data about data) which describes the actual dataset in accordance with the ANZLIC (Australia New Zealand Land Information Council) Core Metadata Guidelines Version 1
ANZLIC unique identifier: ANZNS0359000004
Title: Acid Sulfate Soils Risk Mapping
Custodian: Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR)
Jurisdiction: New South Wales
This project has mapped the occurrence of Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) along the coast of NSW and provides information that will assist land management and rehabilitation. In their natural state, these soils are submerged but when exposed or drained, they become oxidised and sulphuric acid is produced. This reduces soil fertility, kills vegetation and reduces fish populations. The identification of the location and extent of potential acid sulphate soils (PASS) is the essential first step in managing this problem. 128 map sheets were mapped for risk of occurrence of ASS at a scale of 1:25 000. This project was co-funded by the Natural Resources Audit Council (NRAC), and was revised in 1997.
- LAND Use
- SOIL
- SOIL Mapping
- Geographic extent polygon:
- See long polygons
Geographic bounding box:
The bounding box encloses the maximum extents of the dataset. There may be voids or gaps within the bounding box, depending on the defined coverage of the dataset. Outer bounding rectangle as Latitude/Longitude coordinates based on the WGS84 datum (expressed as both Degrees Minutes Seconds and as decimal Degrees):
- North bounding latitude: 28 04 14.5 S (-28.0707)
- South bounding latitude: 37 40 41.2 S (-37.6781)
- East bounding longitude: 153 42 25.2 E (153.707)
- West bounding longitude: 149 42 50.4 E (149.714)
Lineage:
The maps predict the distribution of Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) based on an assessment of the geomorphic environment. This assessment has involved mapping of the environments in which they are likely to be found, being the coastal lowlands up to approximately 10m AHD and carrying out fieldwork to establish field relationships between landform, elevation and occurrence of ASS.
Landform elements were used as the basic mapping unit. These provide a basis for land use planning and allow the application of elevation classes so that the depth of occurrence of ASS within a landform element can be estimated. It allows the prediction of soil management problems in other areas with similar landform and soil characteristics.
ASS maps are not intended to provide site specific ASS information. The information derived from the maps cannot be used in the assessment of the potential to effectively manage ASS in a particular development. When using ASS maps, it must always be remembered that that there can be expected to be extreme variations in the nature and distribution of of ASS and that the depth to the ASS layer can be highly variable. The depths given in the map key should be used as a guide only and not used for a specific assessment of development potential.
It is recommended that all land use activities likely to disturb ASS require appropriate soil investigations and a management plan to avoid environmental degradation.
Positional accuracy:
ASS maps should be used at the scale at which they were published. Enlarging the maps will produce distortions whereby boundaries will no longer represent map units on the ground.
Landform element boundaries were delineated and published at 1:25000 scale. Boundaries between landform classes that could be delineated reliably were drawn as solid lines and as broken lines where they were diffuse or difficult to identify. Elevation information provided on each landform element is approximate only.
Disturbed terrain was identified by aerial photograph interpretation or from sources such as maps supplied by local councils. There are some areas of disturbed terrain which are not shown on the maps. These are typically associated with urban areas where the development prevented the identification and delineation of the disturbance.
Attribute accuracy:
Mapped codes were checked as part of the GIS capture quality assurance procedures, including a visual check of polygon tags against field sheets following digital capture. Soil samples were taken in the field and analysed in the laboratory. During the field work phase, field meetings were held with ASS surveyors to ensure consistency in site selection strategies, soil profile description methods and soil sampling techniques. Quality control and consistency in the mapping and coding of landform elements were also maintained by field checking by other ASS surveyors in the team and regular meetings to discuss and review the process.
Logical consistency:
All lines and polygons are labelled. All duplicates were eliminated, lines do not undershoot or overshoot. Polygons and lines were matched with adjoining map tiles. Topological consistency verification was performed as part of the quality assurance procedures using Genamap software and a series of checking procedures implemented (including visual check against field sheet).
Completeness:
Spatial data capture is complete for the entire dataset (128 maps at 1:25000). Complete for presentation and usage at 1:25000 only.
Information in this metadata statement is sourced primarily from Naylor,S.D., Chapman G.A., Atkinson, G., Murphy, C.L., Tulau,M.J., Flewin, T.C., Milford, H.B., Morand, D.T., 1998, Guidelines for Use of Acid Sulfate Soils Risk Maps, 2nd ed., Department of Land and Water Conservation, Sydney.
This document is available on the internet at the following address: http://www.dlwc.nsw.gov.au/care/soil/ass/online.html
This dataset description does not comply (XML is not valid) with ANZLIC Core Metadata Guidelines Version 1 and XML DTD ANZMETA-NRIMS Page 1 v1.0 (metadata validation date: 2008-08-19)