Soil Information Systems Framework
Welcome to the Soil Information Systems (SIS) framework site, where you can find resources and tools to support you with the design and development of national SISs.
Read more about the framework, start the initiation phase, or consult our case studies and resources.
What is a Soil Information System (SIS)?
A SIS is a multi-stakeholder, demand-driven platform that collects, stores, and serves soil data to enable informed decisions on food security, land conservation and restoration, and climate change. Read more about SIS at the page about soil information workflow.
What is the SIS framework?
The Soil Information System Framework (“SIS Framework”), developed and maintained by CABI and ISRIC, helps countries to build a national soil information system (SIS) or enhance their existing SIS. By offering a structured approach, the framework helps stakeholders to identify gaps in the enabling environment for SIS development. It also guides strategic improvements, prioritises needs, aligns data practices with national goals, and fosters collaboration across sectors.
Who is it for?
The framework for sustainable national soil information systems follows a multi-stakeholder engagement approach and is for anyone in the soil community who is interested in developing or funding a SIS, or anyone who would like to improve their existing SIS. It also provides guidance for SIS owners, system developers, funders, implementing partners and research institutions involved to ensure their investment leads to sustainable outcomes.
How can I use it?
The framework has four phases: initiation, planning and design, implementation and operational. Within each phase there are what we call “components”, which contain suggested activities, accompanied by guiding questions, recommended tools and supporting resources to make the process as practical and as easily useable as possible. The activities within each component are intended as optional and the SIS project team decides which ones to execute.
We recommend you to start with this checklist to understand which component is important for you.