LandPKS Soil ID is a free mobile app that helps identify soils in the field. Create a site anywhere in the world and instantly see potential soils ranked from global soil survey maps. Collect observations using step-by-step guides to refine the ranking — no lab or internet connection required. Available in English, French, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian, and Georgian.
Key Features:
- Soil matching from global map data: Create a site and immediately see a ranked list of potential soils based on soil survey maps for that location. As site observations are entered, the ranking refines further by weighing similarity between observed properties and each potential soil.
- Guided data collection: Step-by-step tools for slope, soil color, texture, rock fragments, surface cracks, and depth-by-depth soil profile observations.
- Projects and teams: Create projects to organize sites, invite team members, and set standardized data collection requirements across locations.
- Fully offline capable: Create sites and collect data without cell or internet service. Data syncs automatically when connectivity returns.
- Data ownership and privacy: Control who can access site data. Export observations for use in other tools and reports.
Who it's for: LandPKS Soil ID is used by agricultural consultants, soil scientists, extension agents, researchers, educators, government field staff, farmers, and ranchers — anyone who needs to identify or characterize soils on-site. It supports both solo fieldwork and coordinated data collection across organizations.
Built on trusted partnerships: LandPKS is a long-running collaboration between government agencies, universities, and nonprofits dedicated to accessible soil science tools. Learn more at https://landpotential.org
Ratings & Reviews
5.0
out of 5
1 Ratings
- Made switches more visible and consistent across operating systems
- Fixed bug in creating a site from a temporary location popover
- Fixed bug where elevation sometimes could not be found
- Updated how the Soil ID algorithm calculates the soil properties score from user observations of slope, texture, rock fragment volume, and color.
Version 1.4.8
The developer, Tech Matters, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Linked to You
The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
Location
Contact Info
Other Data
Data Not Linked to You
The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:
Diagnostics
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
Seller
Technology Matters
Size
93.2 MB
Category
Utilities
Compatibility
Requires iOS 16.4 or later.
iPhone Requires iOS 16.4 or later.
iPad Requires iPadOS 16.4 or later.
Mac Requires macOS 15.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
