Soil Map of Germany 1:1,000,000 (BÜK1000)

Country / Region: Germany

Begin of project: January 1, 1992

End of project: December 31, 2007

Status of project: December 31, 2007

Soil Map of Germany 1:1.000.000 (BÜK1000) Source: BGR

The first country wide soil map at a scale of 1:1,000,000 has been compiled on the basis of published soil maps of the former German Democratic Republic and the pre 1990 federal states of Germany. To do this, it was necessary to match the soil systems used in East and West Germany and to develop standardized descriptions of soil units. A relatively homogeneous map has resulted, which permits uniform assessment of the soils throughout Germany.

The map shows 71 soil mapping units, described in the legend on the basis of the German and FAO soil systems. Each soil unit has been assigned a characteristic soil profile (Leitprofil) as an aid to map interpretation. For the first time the subdivision of the country into 12 soil regions has been represented on the map. This subdivision was coordinated with the state Geological Surveys. These soil regions will represent the highest hierarchic level of nation wide soil maps in future.

The colours of soil units correspond to the standards of the "Bodenkundliche Kartieranleitung" (KA 3; Guidelines for Soil Mapping). The various hues characterize differences in relief or soil humidity.

The BÜK1000 was produced digitally. It is an important part of the spatial database integrated in the Soil Information System (FISBo BGR) currently being established at the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources. It can be used together with the characteristic soil profiles to derive thematic maps related to nation wide soil protection. The scale of the BÜK1000 makes it especially suitable for small scale evaluations at federal or EU level.

The metadata, GIS data and web services (WMS) of the BÜK1000 are offered through our product catalogue.