No comprehensive, digital map of the world's soils currently exists. This lack of easy-to-use information results in adverse or lack of appropriate policies at the district, national, and continental levels that affect food production for the poorest of the poor and result in, unnecessary land degradation and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Organizations involved in research at the global scale need accurate and geo-referenced soil information to assess and/or predict the environmental impact of different land use scenarios. A digital fine-resolution global soil map would enable climatologists, hydrologists, crop modelers, foresters and agricultural scientists, among others, to better predict the effects of climate change or new technologies on food production. In some instances, crop failure due to drought or excessive wetness could be identified in early-warning systems in ways that are relevant to policymakers.

In December 2006, 32 scientists and modelers led by Alex McBratney of the University of Sydney, Alfred Hartemink of ISRIC - World Soil Information, and Pedro Sanchez of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, met to consider how to generate a digital soil map for the “global good” in an accelerated timeline. In attending this workshop (at their institutional expense) the scientists agreed that no single existing organization had the institutional capacity to design and develop a global digital soil map. Clearly, a larger effort that combines the best knowledge, problem-solving, access to data, and commitment from numerous scientists in all parts of the world is needed to take on this monumental task. Further, by using this consortium approach we will create a consistent international system that is sustainable and repeatedly used. From this three day workshop, the group developed a plan of action, agreed on key leadership responsibilities, and has collectively developed this proposal www.globalsoilmap.net