United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service		 Soils Go to Accessibility Information
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SBAAG - Purpose

The primary focus of SBAAG, prior to its reorganization, was the National Soil Information System (NASIS), since that system embodied most of the technical and operational data and processes for the soil survey program. More recently, the group’s function has evolved to act as a forum to analyze and facilitate the integration of soil survey technical and operational processes. This includes helping to analyze the coordination between the National Centers in order to assure that research, development, delivery and marketing of soil survey products and services follow an overall system plan. The objective of the group is to improve the quality, and the delivery of soil information and the process by which that information is collected, managed, and presented. SBAAG provides recommendations to the National Soil Survey Division leadership on issues related to the soil survey business area.

Current SBAAG Charges

  1. Define an integrated soils information system in conjunction with the Integrated Systems Plan.
  2. Develop and maintain the priority slate of projects for the Soil Business Area Analysis Plan.
  3. Serves as a management review body for analysis documents in collaboration with SSD leadership.
  4. Act as a forum for coordination between the four National Centers. All four centers have representatives on SBAAG.
  5. Initiates ad-hoc teams as needed to get input on specific business concerns.
  6. At times, SBAAG may function as the group most appropriate for developing draft requirements for a particular application.

SBAAG helps to meet evolving agency needs. The group advises the Soil Survey Division leadership on soil business and strategic information system issues, and provides an independent voice which helps to serve as a check and balance for decision making. SBAAG serves as a core coordinating forum for management analysis and review.

SBAAG meets its charges by:

  • Identifying emerging agency soil data needs that may impact the soil business processes, including data collection, management and delivery through NASIS and the Internet.
  • Ensuring an integrated approach with other disciplines and technologies.
  • Evaluating the impact of new technologies, and their potential implementation and adaptation in NASIS.
  • Reviewing issues brought forth, evaluating impacts, and developing recommendations for advising the Soil Survey Division leadership.
  • Advising the Soil Survey Division leadership on new ideas, methods and concepts for the soil business area.
  • Developing, evaluating, and maintaining the list of priority issues under consideration for further development of NASIS and the soil survey business model.
  • Performing analyses of soil information needs, and developing appropriate recommendations, requirements statements, or issue papers, where needed.
  • Evaluating existing policies, procedures relating to NASIS and soil data on the Internet, and soil data on the Internet, and providing recommendations for additions, changes, or deletions.