66  Group Check In 09MAR2026

Date: March 9, 2026

66.1 Attendees

  • Nora Pearson
  • Adam Devlin
  • Patty Burns
  • Joe Brennan
  • Mes Tat-Siaka

66.2 Landscape Segmentation and Mapping Approach

  • Nora, Adam, Joe, and Nic met last Tuesday to discuss mapping approach
  • Nora and Adam working together on this initiative

66.2.1 SNIC Segmentation Model (Nora)

  • Focus this week on running models using SNIC algorithm (Simple Non-Iterative Clustering)
  • Purpose: Segment landscape into different polygons/chunks based on covariate similarities
  • Process involves:
    • Testing which covariates to include in model
    • Adjusting weighting of covariates
    • Experimenting with parameters
  • Once landscape is successfully segmented, Adam will populate soil concepts into the segmented units

66.2.2 Field Data Integration (Adam)

  • Incorporating field-collected data into GIS models, not just background LiDAR and derivatives
  • Ensuring thickness of HTM (human-transported material) and depth to aquic condition data are aligned with each field-described point

66.3 Aquic Conditions Criteria

66.3.1 Updated Definition

  • Adam and Patty previously discussed recording depth of aquic conditions at first presence of depletions with chroma 2 or less
  • Nic and Adam had a conversation about defining aquic conditions as a metric for a seasonal high water table
  • New criteria proposed by Nic:
    • Chroma 2 or less
    • With 2% or more depletions
    • Of at least distinct contrast

66.3.2 Patty’s Response

  • Agrees with new criteria
  • This is typically the model used for initial mapping
  • Not certain about distinct contrast requirement specifically, but likes the approach
  • Prefers this over profiles with only 1% few faint depletions
  • Having distinct or prominent requirement is beneficial

66.3.3 Implementation

  • Adam going back through pedons to record this information
  • Will need to review all other pedons and verify they meet this criteria

66.4 Data Source for GIS Modeling

66.4.1 Aquic Conditions Data Source

  • Patty asked where GIS model will pull aquic condition data from
  • Adam confirmed data will come from spreadsheet
  • Will line up with pedon IDs and coordinates and create CSV file for model input

66.4.2 NASIS Access and SQL Queries

  • Adam now has computer from federal government
  • Hopes to eventually have NASIS access
  • With NASIS access, could perform SQL queries with specific conditions to pull pedons
  • Would be more efficient than spreadsheet approach

66.4.3 NASIS Data Status

  • Current status for 2025 pedons: 107 pedons uploaded to NASIS, 66 pedons remaining to be uploaded
  • All pedons must be in NASIS before SQL queries can be used
  • Patty working on QC of uploaded pedons

66.5 Pedon Upload and QC Progress

66.5.1 Recent Batch Processing

  • Nora provided second batch of approximately 60 pedons
  • Patty worked on this batch last week, but ESRI made changes that prevented uploads initially. Scripts had to be rewritten to accommodate pedons

66.5.2 Current Issues

  • 7 pedons from recent batch of 60 are problematic
  • Issues primarily related to missing data in field sheets, like no percent volume recorded for artifacts
  • Missing data causes upload to fail

66.5.3 Patty’s Solutions

  • Entering 1% for each artifact type to allow upload
  • Making notes in QC pedon notes about added data
  • May need to review pictures to assess actual volumes

66.5.4 QC Progress

  • Out of approximately 100 pedons uploaded, Patty has QC’d about 20
  • Substantial QC work still remaining
  • Once all data uploaded, can be used for modeling purposes
  • Will verify different parameters look correct before using in models
  • 66 pedons still need to be exported by Nora (will complete this week)

66.6 Administrative Items

  • Nora will be away March 18-28 for North Carolina Soil Judging National Contest
  • Discussion about making Adam or Patty alternate hosts for meetings; Nora will explore
  • Previous attempt to add Nic as host required completely new Zoom link and calendar invite, which was confusing

66.6.1 Upcoming Meetings

  • March 23rd: Next biweekly meeting (ideally with Adam as host)
  • April 14th: Next meeting with Randy
  • By April meeting, team expects to have much more to report about initial mapping work

66.7 Action Items

  • Nora: Export remaining 66 pedons this week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday)
  • Nora: Explore Zoom host settings to add Adam and/or Patty as alternate hosts
  • Nora: Update ebook this week
  • Adam: Continue reviewing all pedons to verify aquic conditions criteria
  • Adam: Continue aligning HTM thickness and depth to aquic conditions data with field points
  • Patty: Troubleshoot remaining 7 problematic pedons from recent batch
  • Patty: Continue QC work on uploaded pedons
  • Patty: Work through remaining uploads once Nora provides final batch