Collect and store soil profiles Australia-wide
The eDIRT app is a mobile and web application that allows anyone in Australia to record information about soil while you’re in field and submit it to the NSW Soil and Land Information System (SALIS). You can use it online and offline, making it easier to record in remote locations.
With eDIRT you can:
- record soil information in the field
- work offline in remote areas
- create customised recording templates
- improve data quality through in-built guides and validation
- store and sync your data across devices
- add your soil information to the NSW and national databases.
Get the eDIRT app
You can get the mobile version for your phone or tablet at:
All versions of the eDIRT app are available at eDIRT.
About the eDIRT app
The eDIRT app is a digital tool for recording soil information in the field.
It replaces the previous eDIRT internet information system and paper-based soil data cards for a faster, more reliable way to collect soil information. eDIRT has strong alignment with national soil and land assessment standards.
You can use the eDIRT app on mobile or web.
Mobile
- Best for collecting data in the field
- Android (version 12 or later)
- iOS (version 18 or later)
- Works online and offline
Web
- Best for reviewing and managing data on desktops and laptops
- Uses a web browser
- For online use only
- Not recommended for in-field data collection
Currently, all soil profiles submitted through eDIRT are stored in the NSW Soil and Land Information System (SALIS).
Who eDIRT is for
Anyone in Australia can use the app to record soil information, including:
- scientists
- consultants
- researchers
- government staff
- land managers
- educators and students
- citizen scientists.
How the eDIRT app works
- Choose a template or create your own to describe the details of a soil profile, its location and its local area.
- The app is designed to allow easy navigation through all aspects of a soil profile description.
- Use the in-built validation tool to ensure high-quality data.
- Save data while working online or offline and synchronise when internet becomes available.
- Submit the profile to SALIS.
- Download a soil profile report or an export script.
- Access public records through eSPADE and the Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS).
Upgrades from the previous eDIRT system
Compared with the previous eDIRT system, the new app offers:
- improved reliability in areas with low or zero internet coverage
- faster performance
- improved security
- simpler user experience
- support across a wider range of devices
- synchronised access to your soil profiles across devices.
What’s next for the app
Features in future versions will include:
- radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to streamline soil sample identification auto-populating laboratory data sheets
- wizards to help with soil classification, improving rigour and confidence
- photo annotation and a drawing function.
How soil information moves through NSW systems
Three systems work together to collect, store and share soil information for the benefit of all users:
- eDIRT is used to collect soil information in the field.
- SALIS is used to store and manage soil information.
- eSPADE is used to access, explore and share soil information.
-
A soil scientist using the eDIRT app -
Using the eDIRT app in the field -
A soil scientist using the eDIRT app -
Collecting and describing a soil profile in Kosciuszko National Park -
The eDIRT app desktop (web version) -
A soil scientist describing a soil profile at Catombal, near Molong, in central west New South Wales