USE OF CONTOUR MAPS IN THE CREATION OF LARGE-SCALE SOIL MAPS

The effect of topography, particularly of slope shape, on the distribution and development of soils is briefly examined. It is recommended that, after reconnaissance prior to a soil survey, a list be made of topographic elements and shapes that differ in soil-formation conditions. An example of such a list is given for a region of the forest-steppe zone, along with a map of the topographic elements and shapes, and a soil map. Methodological recommendations are given for using contour lines to delimit the bottoms of ravines, drainage-divide surfaces, and slopes, drawing slope steepness boundaries, etc.