Digital Soil Mapping Platforms and Applications Market: Focus on Application, Product, and Region - Analysis and Forecast, 2024-2034

The global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market was valued at $228.2 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $798.5 million by 2034, with a CAGR of 12.16% from 2024 to 2034. The market is in a growth phase and is projected to experience significant expansion. Market players investing in research, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships are anticipated to capitalize on the increasing demand for digital soil mapping, driven by advancements in technology and development in soil analysis methods, over the forecast period from 2024 to 2034.

Introduction of Digital Soil Mapping

Digital soil mapping platforms and applications utilize advanced technologies to analyze and map soil properties accurately and efficiently. These platforms include technologies such as drone scouting, mobile scouting, satellite imagery, and other innovative methods. Drone scouting employs drones equipped with sensors to collect high-resolution data on soil conditions. Mobile scouting uses mobile devices and applications for on-the-go soil data collection, while satellite imagery provides large-scale, detailed soil analysis from space. These digital soil mapping technologies play a crucial role in improving agricultural productivity and sustainability by providing real-time, precise soil health assessments. The data collected helps optimize crop yields, enhance resource use efficiency, and support sustainable land management practices. By integrating these advanced technologies, the environmental impact of agricultural activities can be significantly reduced, leading to more sustainable farming practices and better soil health management.

Market Introduction

The global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market is pivotal for modern agriculture, environmental management, and land use planning. Digital soil mapping platforms utilize a range of advanced methods, including drone scouting, mobile scouting, and satellite imagery, to collect and analyze soil data. The study covers various end-user applications, such as agribusiness companies, agricultural cooperatives, and government and research institutes. These platforms are essential tools for these end-users to enhance crop yields, manage soil health, and conduct sustainable agricultural research. Based on technology, the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market is segmented into drone scouting, which employs drones equipped with sensors for high-resolution data collection; mobile scouting, which uses mobile devices and applications for on-the-go soil data gathering; and satellite imagery, which provides large-scale, detailed soil analysis from space. Other innovative technologies also contribute to this market, offering various approaches for soil data collection and analysis. The continuous advancements in remote sensing, data analytics, and IoT technologies are driving the evolution of this market, making it an indispensable component of sustainable agriculture and effective land management practices.

Industrial Impact

The industrial impact of digital soil mapping platforms and applications spans agriculture, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability. Advances in drone scouting, mobile scouting, and satellite imagery enhance the precision and efficiency of soil analysis, promoting collaborations between agritech companies and technology firms. This focus on improving soil health and optimizing crop yields aligns with global sustainability goals, promoting the adoption of digital soil mapping solutions. These technologies support informed decision-making, better resource management, and increased agricultural productivity, thereby contributing to sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation.

The key players operating in the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market include SoilOptix, Veris Technologies, Inc., Crop Nutrition Laboratory Services Ltd., SMARTCLOUDFARMING, Esri, Trimble Inc., Ag Leader Technology, CropX inc, AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc, Taranis, EarthOptics, Teralytic, Corteva, EOS Data Analytics, Inc., and Arable Labs, Inc., among others. These companies are focusing on strategic partnerships, collaborations, and acquisitions to enhance their product offerings and expand their market presence.

Market Segmentation:

Segmentation 1: by Application

• Agriculture Cooperatives
• Government and Research Institutes
• Agribusiness Companies
• Others

Others Segment to Dominate Global Digital Soil Mapping Platforms and Applications Market (by Application)

The global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market sees significant contributions from the others segment, which encompasses a diverse range of stakeholders including educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and independent consultants. From 2024 to 2034, this segment is expected to play a crucial role in the widespread adoption and innovation of digital soil mapping technologies. Educational institutions leverage DSM for research and training, equipping the next generation of agricultural scientists with cutting-edge tools.

Non-profit organizations use DSM to promote sustainable farming practices and support smallholder farmers by providing accessible soil health data. The others segment contributes to the overall growth and development of the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market by fostering knowledge dissemination, encouraging sustainable practices, and providing tailored solutions to a broad array of agricultural stakeholders. This diversity in application and user base shows the versatility and essential nature of digital soil mapping in modern agriculture.

Segmentation 2: by Product Type

• Drone Scouting
• Mobile Scouting
• Satellite Imagery
• Others

Mobile Scouting to Dominate Global Digital Soil Mapping Platforms and Applications Market (by Product Type)

The global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market is dominated by the mobile scouting segment, which is expected to maintain its leading position from 2024 to 2034. Mobile scouting technology is extensively utilized for its convenience and accuracy in soil data collection and analysis.

Moreover, the mobile scouting segment accounts for a substantial portion of the global adoption of digital soil mapping technologies. Companies are not only expanding their technological capabilities but also integrating advanced features such as real-time data analytics and user-friendly mobile interfaces. This focus on enhancing mobile scouting solutions is crucial for strengthening their market positions and addressing the growing demand for efficient soil mapping in agriculture and environmental management.

Segmentation 3: by Region

• North America - U.S., Canada, and Mexico
• Europe - Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark, U.K., and Rest-of-Europe
• Asia-Pacific - China, Japan, India, Australia and New Zealand, and Rest-of-Asia-Pacific
• Rest-of-the-World - Middle East and Africa and South America

The North America region dominated the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market and is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period from 2024 to 2034. The region is home to multiple leading companies, including Trimble Inc., Deere Company, and Ag Leader Technology.

Moreover, North America accounts for a significant portion of the total global adoption of digital soil mapping technologies. Various digital soil mapping companies, such as Trimble, John Deere, and Ag Leader, have a strong presence in North America and are further expanding their technological capabilities to enhance their market positions in the competitive global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market.

Recent Developments in the Global Digital Soil Mapping Platforms and Applications Market

• In February 2024, EOS Data Analytics (EOSDA) announced a collaboration with AgriProve, Australia’s leading soiltech carbon developer, to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) monitoring using AI-powered satellite imagery. This collaboration is supported by the Australian government with a $6.0 million grant. The collaboration aims to create detailed soil carbon maps and predictive models, offering farmers invaluable insights for optimizing land management practices and improving soil and climate resilience.
• In January 2024, EarthOptics surpassed one million acres of physically mapped farmland and ranch land, positioning its SoilMapper platform as a market leader in comprehensive soil intelligence. Since 2021, the company has mapped land across four continents and 45 U.S. states, utilizing advanced technologies such as ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic induction scanning.
• In April 2023, Corteva announced a partnership with EOS Data Analytics (EOSDA) in Ukraine to enhance research on growing sunflower and corn hybrids, optimize crop protection products, and improve overall agricultural productivity. By utilizing EOSDA's AI-powered satellite imagery analytics, Corteva would provide precise recommendations for farmers, helping them achieve high yields under various conditions.
• In December 2022, Arable Labs, Inc. announced the release of its advanced crop intelligence platform, the Arable Mark 3 in-field sensing device. This innovative device, developed in partnership with Bould Design, integrates weather, plant, soil, and irrigation flow measurements into a single system, providing real-time, contextualized crop imagery through Arable Vision.
• In October 2021, Taranis and Albo Climate announced a partnership to develop AI-powered remote sensing technology for soil carbon verification in row crops. This collaboration aims to reduce the high costs of verifying soil organic carbon (SOC) and streamline the process for farmers to enter carbon credit markets.

Demand - Drivers, Limitations, and Opportunities

Market Demand: Advancement in Geographic Information Technology (GIS)

A significant trend in the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market is the application of GIS, which creates geographically referenced soil databases using environmental features and field surveys. Remote sensing technologies generate these DSM datasets, reducing the need for labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive traditional soil surveys. Advancements in GIS software have minimized the need for extensive fieldwork. Soil scientists now use digital imagery on tablets or handheld computers, with much of the work done by remote sensing technologies, allowing them to efficiently collect soil samples or photographs, thus reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Additionally, governments and organizations worldwide are increasingly focusing on enhancing digital soil mapping capabilities through initiatives. For instance, in September 2022, the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) conducted training on digital soil mapping (DSM) in Bugesera, Rwanda, aimed at GIS experts and soil scientists. Financed by the China International Centre for Economic and Technical Exchanges and the China International Development Cooperation Agency, this workshop covered the complete DSM cycle from data management to predictive mapping. The goal is to strengthen Rwanda's DSM capacity and foster collaboration among national soil data institutions. The GSP's capacity development program has trained over 700 national experts worldwide, emphasizing the growing global focus on GIS advancements in digital soil mapping.

Moreover, these advancements in GIS technology have had a profound impact on the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market by making the process more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible. The reduction in extensive field surveys, combined with the integration of remote sensing technologies and digital tools, has streamlined soil data collection and analysis. This technological progress is driving increased adoption of DSM practices, enhancing soil management strategies, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices globally.

Market Challenge: High Initial Costs and Technical Complexity

The high costs associated with soil data collection and analysis significantly impact the global demand for digital soil mapping (DSM). While DSM offers numerous benefits, such as improved land use planning and enhanced agricultural productivity, it requires substantial investment in advanced technologies and expertise. This expense can be prohibitive, particularly for developing countries, where budgetary constraints limit the uptake of such technologically advanced methods. Continuous monitoring and updating of soil information to maintain map accuracy further escalate costs, creating a barrier to accessibility and decreasing global demand. This situation is especially pronounced in low-income countries where financial limitations hinder the adoption of cost-intensive soil mapping methods.

Moreover, the technical complexity of DSM presents a significant barrier. The process integrates various technologies, including remote sensing, GIS, and advanced statistical models, to create accurate soil maps. This requires specialized knowledge in both soil science and digital mapping technologies, which many farmers or local agronomists may lack. The need for continuous system updates and maintenance to ensure data accuracy adds to the complexity, making it difficult for non-experts to utilize these tools effectively. The shortage of skilled professionals with dual expertise in soil science and digital technologies exacerbates this issue, further impeding the growth of DSM.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of DSM are considerable. However, the high costs and technical demands restrict its reach primarily to well-funded research institutions and large-scale farming operations. Smaller farms and those in remote areas remain reliant on traditional soil mapping methods. To promote broader adoption of DSM, it is crucial to implement strategies that lower costs, such as government subsidies and training programs, and simplify technology interfaces. Addressing these issues can help mitigate the restraints and unlock the full potential of digital soil mapping technologies in the global market.

Market Opportunity: Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) in Agricultural Practices

The integration of IoT in agricultural practices for the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market is already yielding significant results, with several instances showcasing its potential. For example, in the U.S., John Deere's SEE & SPRAY technology uses advanced sensors and machine learning to detect and map soil conditions in real time, allowing for the precise application of fertilizers and pesticides. This technology reduces chemical usage by up to 90%, demonstrating how IoT can lead to more sustainable and cost-effective farming practices.

In Europe, the Internet of Food & Farm 2020 (IoF2020) project has implemented IoT solutions across various agricultural applications, including soil mapping. One notable instance is the use of soil sensors and drones in vineyards across Spain and Italy. These IoT devices collect soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient data, which are then analyzed to optimize irrigation schedules and improve grape quality. This integration not only enhances crop yield but also contributes to better resource management and environmental conservation.

In Asia, the Indian agri-tech startup Fasal leverages IoT and AI to provide real-time insights into soil health. Farmers use Fasal's IoT devices to monitor soil parameters, such as moisture levels and electrical conductivity, which are crucial for crop management. This data is transmitted to a cloud-based platform, where it is analyzed to offer actionable recommendations to farmers. By adopting IoT-based digital soil mapping, Fasal helps farmers increase productivity and reduce input costs, addressing the challenges of small-scale farming and promoting sustainable agriculture. These instances highlight the diverse applications and tangible benefits of integrating IoT into digital soil mapping across different regions. As the technology continues to evolve, more farmers and agricultural businesses are expected to adopt IoT solutions, driving further growth and innovation in the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market.

How can this report add value to an organization?

Product/Innovation Strategy: The product segment helps the reader understand the different applications of global digital soil mapping platforms and applications based on their use in agribusiness companies, agricultural cooperatives, government and private research institutes, and others. The technology types include drone scouting, mobile scouting, satellite imagery, and other advanced methods. The market is poised for significant expansion with ongoing technological advancements, increased investments, and growing awareness of the importance of precision agriculture. Therefore, the digital soil mapping business is a high-investment and high-revenue generating model.

Growth/Marketing Strategy: The global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market has been growing rapidly. The market offers enormous opportunities for both existing and emerging players. Strategies covered in this segment include mergers and acquisitions, product launches, partnerships, collaborations, business expansions, and investments. Companies primarily focus on product development to maintain and strengthen their market positions.

Competitive Strategy: Key players in the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market analysed and profiled in the study include technology developers and solution providers. Additionally, a comprehensive competitive landscape, including partnerships, agreements, and collaborations, is expected to aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market.

Research Methodology

Factors for Data Prediction and Modeling

• The scope of the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications report has been focused only on digital soil mapping.
• The base currency considered for the market analysis is US$. Currencies other than the US$ have been converted to the US$ for all statistical calculations, considering the average conversion rate for that particular year.
• The currency conversion rate has been taken from the historical exchange rate of the Oanda website.
• Nearly all the recent developments from January 2021 to May 2024 have been considered in this research study.
• The information rendered in the report is a result of in-depth primary interviews, surveys, and secondary analysis.
• Where relevant information was not available, proxy indicators and extrapolation were employed.
• Any economic downturn in the future has not been taken into consideration for the market estimation and forecast.
• Technologies currently used are expected to persist through the forecast with no major breakthroughs in technology.

Market Estimation and Forecast

This research study involves the usage of extensive secondary sources, such as certified publications, articles from recognized authors, white papers, annual reports of companies, directories, and major databases to collect useful and effective information for an extensive, technical, market-oriented, and commercial study of global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market.

The process of market engineering involves the calculation of the market statistics, market size estimation, market forecast, market crackdown, and data triangulation (the methodology for such quantitative data processes is explained in further sections). The primary research study has been undertaken to gather information and validate the market numbers for segmentation types and industry trends of the key players in the market.

Primary Research

The primary sources involve industry experts from the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market and various stakeholders in the ecosystem. Respondents such as CEOs, vice presidents, marketing directors, and technology and innovation directors have been interviewed to obtain and verify both qualitative and quantitative aspects of this research study.

The key data points taken from primary sources include:

• validation and triangulation of all the numbers and graphs
• validation of reports segmentation and key qualitative findings
• understanding the competitive landscape
• validation of the numbers of various markets for market type
• percentage split of individual markets for geographical analysis

Secondary Research

This research study of the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market involves the usage of extensive secondary research, directories, company websites, and annual reports. It also makes use of databases, such as Hoovers, Bloomberg, Businessweek, and Factiva, to collect useful and effective information for an extensive, technical, market-oriented, and commercial study of the global market. In addition to the aforementioned data sources, the study has been undertaken with the help of other data sources and websites, such as IRENA and IEA.

Secondary research was done in order to obtain crucial information about the industry’s value chain, revenue models, the market’s monetary chain, the total pool of key players, and the current and potential use cases and applications.

The key data points taken from secondary research include:

• segmentations and percentage shares
• data for market value
• key industry trends of the top players of the market
• qualitative insights into various aspects of the market, key trends, and emerging areas of innovation quantitative data for mathematical and statistical calculations

Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis

The companies that are profiled in the global digital soil mapping platforms and applications market have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analyzing company coverage, product portfolio, and market penetration.

Some of the prominent companies in this market are:

• SoilOptix
• Veris Technologies, Inc.
• Crop Nutrition Laboratory Services Ltd.
• SMARTCLOUDFARMING
• Esri
• Trimble Inc.
• Ag Leader Technology
• CropX inc.
• AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc
• Taranis
• EarthOptics
• Teralytic
• Corteva
• EOS Data Analytics, Inc.
• Arable Labs, Inc.

Companies that are not a part of the aforementioned pool have been well represented across different sections of the report (wherever applicable).