Remote sensing and transect-based retrieval of spatial soil and terrain (SOTER) information in semi-arid Niger

A methodology for retrieval and mapping of spatial soil and terrain data based on the SOTER approach has been developed for semi-arid Niger. Remote sensing technics and detailed ground transect investigations are used, and the collected data are integrated into a SOTER database and a Geographic Information System. Transect selection, their realization and the related problems with transect-based calculations are discussed. The method permits estimations of soil type coverages, present land use and soil degradation at different scale levels. The significant dynamics of soil redistribution are pointed out and attributed to present and past erosion events.