The Soil Layer in Land Insights helps you better understand soil conditions on a property, especially when evaluating land for potential septic system installation.
Instead of showing only technical soil codes or scientific classifications, Land Insights provides more readable soil information so you can quickly identify possible concerns and use that information during your due diligence or negotiations.
Here's a comping tutorial made by our founder, Rylan:
What the Soil Layer Does
The Soil Layer shows different soil types directly on the map using colorized soil boundaries.
When the layer is turned on, Land Insights also displays a soil information panel that updates as you move around the map. This panel helps explain the soil data in a more practical way.
You may see details such as:
Soil name
General terrain description
Soil texture or type
Potential concerns
Water table depth
Other conditions that may affect septic suitability
This makes the data easier to interpret without needing to be a soil scientist.
How to Turn On the Soil Layer
Open Land Insights.
Go to the map layers menu.
Find Soil.
Turn the Soil Layer on.
You can also search for the Soil Layer if needed.
Once enabled, the map will display colorized soil areas, and a soil information panel will appear.
How the Soil Information Panel Works
After turning on the Soil Layer, a panel will appear with information about the soil currently visible or selected on the map.
As you pan around the map or hover over different soil areas, the panel updates with the relevant soil information.
This allows you to compare soil types across different parts of a property or surrounding area.
Why This Is Helpful for Septic Research
When evaluating land for a possible septic system, soil conditions matter.
For example, some soils may have:
Shallow water table depth
Heavy clay content
Poor drainage
Terrain or slope concerns
These conditions do not automatically mean a septic system cannot be installed, but they may be important factors for a septic installer, septic designer, or soil scientist to review.
The Soil Layer gives you a better starting point before ordering a perc test or septic evaluation.
Important Disclaimer
The Soil Layer is for informational purposes only.
It should not be used as a final determination of whether a septic system can or cannot be installed.
There is no way to know for certain whether a property will support a septic system until proper on-site testing is completed, such as a septic test or perc test.
Always work with qualified local professionals before making a final decision.
Using Soil Data in Negotiations
Soil data can also help during land negotiations.
For example, if a property has a shallow water table or other potential concern, you may be able to use that information to request further testing, adjust your offer, or negotiate a lower price.
The goal is to give you more data so you can make a more informed decision.
Does the Soil Layer Work in 3D?
Yes. The Soil Layer can also be viewed in 3D.
This can help you better understand how soil areas relate to terrain, slope, and surrounding land features.
Why Land Insights Added This Feature
Many users asked for better soil visibility and more helpful septic-related insights.
While Land Insights does not provide an AI-generated “yes or no” septic approval answer, the Soil Layer gives you more useful information than a basic technical soil map.
Because septic suitability cannot be accurately predicted without on-site testing, Land Insights focuses on providing clear, practical data to support your research and due diligence.
💬 Questions or need help?
If you have any questions, concerns, or run into issues with ownership data, our support team is here to help.
📧 Email us at: [email protected]
We’re always happy to assist.🤠