Soil, landform, geology and vegetation information is used to determine environmental value, the suitability for residential, industrial, agricultural and forestry use and potential impacts arising from proposed land use changes. Combined with data on present land use, clearing patterns and land degradation, this information is an essential basis for planning development, identifying areas for conservation and determining future risks associated with particular land uses.
Australian soils have been described and mapped by CSIRO as part of
a national soil survey. More detailed soils and land system surveys
have been done in many rural areas by State Government agencies and
CSIRO. Landforms are often described during soil and land systems surveys
but separate landform maps are rarely produced. Australia is covered
by a series of topographic maps at varying scales and the elevation
data available from these maps and from specific topographic surveys
can be used for terrain modelling. Geological formations are generally
mapped only at broad scales except in mineral fields and around major
urban centres. Vegetation mapping has traditionally depicted pre-eurpoean
cover but remnant vegetation mapping is now proceeding with the aid
of remote sensing. Land degradation has rarely been mapped.
The aim of much of this land resource description and mapping was to provide a regional overview and it is usually not adequate for more detailed use. Many maps are not accurate enough for planning within a local authority area and almost none are appropriate for use at specific sites.