NYC Soil Survey

The NYC Soil Survey is a pioneering study of urban soils, spanning a citywide reconnaissance soil map, a series of intensive soil surveys and special research projects. Study results are distributed via reports to the public, decision-makers and environmental managers. The survey is a cooperative effort of the US Dept. of Agriculture –Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cornell University and the District.

Citywide Reconnaissance Soil Map

The reconnaissance soil map is the City's first standard soil survey and provides a scientific base for identifying areas for future intensive surveys. It includes some unique features; a higher level of analysis (at the soil series level), mapping at a smaller-than-usual scale (1:62,5000), and use of new soil series appropriate to urban needs. The soils map and an associated map of NYC geology will ultimately be available in a Geographic Information System format. The soil survey and map are available for download, on the right hand side of this page.

Intensive Surveys and Special Studies

Intensive soils surveys have been completed for South LaTourette Park on Staten Island (1:4,800), the Great Meadow in Central Park, and the Gateway National Recreation Area (1:6,000), covering units in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Sandy Hook in New Jersey.

The next intensive survey in the Bronx river watershed in the Bronx and Westchester is a collaborative effort among the District, the Westchester Soil & Water Conservation District, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the US Army Corps of Engineers, which has completed a feasibility study, and its co-sponsors, and the Bronx River Alliance.

Special research projects under the aegis of the NYC Soil Survey have included Cornell University graduate theses on heavy metals in South LaTourette Park, and aquifer recharge in Brooklyn and Queens. The soil scientists have also accommodated special requests from agency and civic partners, as well as hosted a workshop for land managers in the City.

Download More Information
All files are in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.

Soil Survey Request Form For soils information requests. Print, complete and fax to the District for approval.

NYC Reconnaissance Soil Survey This survey provides a general guide to soil patterns across the city; it will serve as the starting point for more intensive surveys across the city. PLEASE NOTE: Soil survey maps are never intended to replace an on-site assessment.

NYC Recon Soil Survey Map The scale of this map is 1:62,500, and the minimum size delineation is 40 acres. The map is composed of 88 soil map units, comprised of 20 anthropogenic and 24 natural soil series. The map projection is UTM zone 18N. The aerial photography is the DOITT 1996 orthophoto mosaic provided by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Gateway National Recreation Park Soil Survey This survey is one of the first attempts made by NRCS scientists to map and provide detailed soil series information for human modified soils. The information published in this document will provide technical guidance for future land use and management decisions. It will also serve as a valuable data element for research projects in natural resources and an important environmental education tool. For images of the Gateway soil maps, please contact us and we will send you a CD copy.

Soil Survey Vision Report