Soil mapping and classification

Last updated on February 27, 2026

Soil classification

Every soil is unique. As with plants, animals and other forms of life, there is a way to organize information about soils in a logical and useful way. Ultimately, this information is useful for understanding implications for agricultural management practices and it is summarized in soil maps described above. Learn more:

Agricultural land capability

The following manual describes the criteria to assess agricultural capability of land. Note that capability differs from productivity, suitability and other interpretations of soil and climate information:

Mapping tools

Find, view and download Terrestrial Ecosystem Information:on maps and data

Find maps and resources to determine if a parcel is within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) boundary:

Useful contacts

AgriService BC

Have a question?  Call or email and a staff person will assist you.

Telephone: 1 888 221-7141

E-mail: AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca