Circular No. 60/2015/TT-BTNMT stipulates technical procedures for land surveying and evaluation

CIRCULAR

Provisions on technical investigation and evaluation of land

Pursuant to the Land Law dated July 29, 11 in 2013;

Pursuant to Decree No. 21/2013/NĐ-CP dated March 4, 2013, promulgated by the Government, stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

At the proposal of the Director of the General Bureau of Meteorology and Hydrology, the Head of the Science and Technology Department, and the Head of the Legal Department;, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CPDirector of the General Department of Land Administration, Head of the Science and Technology Department, and Head of the Legal Affairs Department; reason Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall issue a Circular providing for technical investigation and evaluation of land.

1. This Circular provides detailed technical provisions for the investigation and evaluation of land as prescribed by the Land Law, including:

Chapter 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

a) Technical investigation and evaluation of land quality and land potential;

b) Technical investigation and evaluation of soil contamination;

c) Technical investigation and classification of agricultural land;

d) Technical monitoring and supervision of land resources.

2. Technical investigation and evaluation of land degradation; land statistics and inventory; land price survey; tracking changes in land prices shall be carried out according to other Circulars issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

3. Special topic investigations and evaluations of land shall be conducted according to subsequent technical investigation and evaluation regulations of land.

4. The subjects to which this applies include agencies, organizations, and individuals related to land investigation and evaluation using state budget funds.

Article 2. Subjects of land investigation and evaluation

1. The subject of land quality investigation and evaluation; land potential investigation and evaluation; land resource monitoring and supervision is the entire natural area (excluding river, stream, canal, creek, and dedicated water surface areas; defense and security lands and rocky mountains without forests).

2. The subject of soil contamination investigation and evaluation is land types within areas with pollution sources in the province.

3. The subject of agricultural land classification investigation and evaluation is the entire area of agricultural land groups excluding other agricultural land.

4. The subject of special topic land investigation and evaluation is one or more specific types of land determined by the competent authority's approval decision.

Clause 1. Plotting land

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

includes one or more contiguous parcels, the outer boundary of these parcels forms a closed line. Clause 2. Land unit

is one or more plotted lands with certain characteristics of land quality, delineated on a map. Clause 3. Land use requirements

are demands regarding the characteristics and properties of land ensuring sustainable development for each land use purpose included in the evaluation. Biological Oxygen Demand

4. Abbreviation Provisions

1. Data from land investigation and evaluation results are compiled from the area of plots.

2. When conducting land investigation and evaluation activities in the same period (first time or subsequent times), products must be inherited, ensuring that work content is not repeated in the same area.

Article 5. Provisions on Result Maps of Investigation

1. Internal and field investigation maps (hereinafter referred to as result investigation maps):

a) For land quality investigation and evaluation, land potential investigation and evaluation, agricultural land classification, result investigation maps are established based on the current land use status map of the directly subordinate administrative unit at the same period. Map scale as follows:

Natural Area (ha)

a) National borders and administrative boundaries at all levels; hydrology systems; transportation and related objects; mathematical basis including map frame, orthogonal coordinate grid, topographic elements (landform, elevation points, elevation annotations) of the map; economic and social elements, annotations, explanations, are depicted according to the current land use status map of the same period and scale;

b) Boundaries of plots according to land quality investigation and evaluation criteria; soil contamination investigation and evaluation; agricultural land classification investigation and evaluation.

The smallest plot area is determined based on actual land boundaries and map scale, specifically as follows:

Representation of actual land boundaries

Smallest plot area on the map (mm²) and outside the actual area (ha) for various map scales

c) The marking (label) for delineating land includes: the sequential number of delineated land (represented by Arabic numerals, from 01 to the end within the scope of investigation, numbered sequentially from left to right, from top to bottom); topographic symbols; land use type symbols; soil type symbols (or pollution source) according to Tables 2, 3, 4, and 13 in Appendix 3 issued together with this Circular. Example: BD15(SL1, HT1,G1(KCN));

d) The location of cross-section excavation points and sampling points on the map of investigation results is created in the form of cells;

đ) The legend system includes: classification symbol indicators for thematic information layers and marking (label) symbols for delineated land.

Article 6. Provisions on Product Result Maps

1. Soil quality maps, land potential maps, agricultural land classification maps, and contaminated land maps (hereinafter referred to as product result maps):

a) Soil quality maps, land potential maps, and agricultural land classification maps are established based on current land use maps of the same level, period, and scale;

b) Contaminated land maps are established according to Point b, Clause 1, Article 5 of this Circular. For provinces and centrally-administered cities with two or more contaminated land areas, additional district-level contaminated land maps shall be established if the contaminated land areas are within the same district; provincial-level contaminated land maps shall be established if the contaminated land areas are in different districts.

Contaminated land maps are established based on current land use maps of the same level and period.

2. Product result maps are established based on integration, connection, synthesis, and generalization of contents from intermediate data; overlaying or merging thematic maps.

3. The minimum area for delineating land parcels on product result maps is as follows:

4. Product result maps shall include the following contents:

a) National border elements and administrative boundary lines at all levels; water systems; transportation and related objects; mathematical elements including map frame, orthogonal coordinate grid, topographic elements (landform, elevation points, elevation annotations) of the map; economic and social elements, annotations, and explanations as shown in the current land use maps of the same period and scale;

b) Elements regarding boundaries, labels, and colors delineating land parcels reflecting land evaluation results, detailed in Appendix 6 issued together with this Circular;

c) Map name, legend, and map scale, establishment agency, approval agency.

Article 7. Provisions on Data Storage in Land Survey and Evaluation

1. Data storage format:

a) Data is stored in digital map form;

b) Data files must be in *.tab format of Mapinfo software or *.shp format of ArcGIS software, accompanied by source symbol and map history files; files must be in open format, allowing for necessary information updates and have conversion capability; Vietnamese font characters; symbol libraries and color tables created in the file.pen library of Mapinfo software. Detailed symbol and color table provisions are set out in Appendix 6 issued together with this Circular.

2. Stored data is organized into information layers, fully displaying attributes of delineated land parcels, where boundaries of land parcels belonging to the same set of indicators are determined within the same map information layer.

Data storage content and structure are specified in Appendix 5 issued together with this Circular.

3. Stored data includes:

a) Thematic maps or specialized information layers (intermediate) established based on current land use maps of the same period of the directly subordinate administrative unit, at the scale of the survey result map;

b) Product maps.

Article 8. Provisions on the system of forms in land surveying and evaluation

1. The system of forms for land quality surveying and evaluation shall be prescribed in Appendix 8 attached to this Circular.

2. The system of forms for land potential surveying and evaluation shall be prescribed in Appendix 9 attached to this Circular.

3. The system of forms for land pollution surveying and evaluation shall be prescribed in Appendix 10 attached to this Circular.

4. The system of forms for agricultural land classification surveying and evaluation shall be prescribed in Appendix 11 attached to this Circular.

5. The system of forms for land resource monitoring and supervision shall be prescribed in Appendix 12 attached to this Circular.

Chapter 2

LAND SURVEYING AND EVALUATION PREPARATORY WORK

Article 9. Determination of Objectives and Contents of Land Surveying and Evaluation

1. Determine the objectives and tasks of the project.

2. Determine the survey area, the scale of the survey area, the survey subjects, and the maps needed for land surveying and evaluation.

3. Determine the contents of land surveying and evaluation, including:

a) Preparing reports on land surveying and evaluation;

b) Preparing maps of land quality, land potential, polluted land, and agricultural land classification.

Article 10. Collection of Documents to Serve Project Preparation

1. Collect relevant documents, data, and maps for the preparation of the land surveying and evaluation project.

2. Collect previous research programs, projects, and topics related to land surveying and evaluation.

3. Evaluate the quality, timeliness, and reliability of collected documents, data, and maps.

4. Select collected documents to serve project preparation.

Article 11. Drafting the Project Outline and Budget Estimate for Project Implementation

1. Determine the necessity of the project, including:

a) Identifying legal bases and grounds for project construction;

b) Determining the implementation time frame, project sponsor, project management sponsor, project drafting unit, project implementation unit, and units cooperating in project implementation.

2. Provide a general assessment of the current status of materials related to the project, including:

a) Evaluating the current status of materials and work already done related to land surveying and evaluation;

b) Assessing the degree of utilization of existing materials for the project.

3. Determine the content, methods of implementation, and products of the project, including:

a) Determining the content of each step of the work to be implemented;

b) Determining technical and technological methods and solutions for implementation;

c) Determining the project's products and completion time.

4. Prepare the project budget estimate, including:

a) Determining the basis for preparing the budget estimate;

b) Determining the total budget estimate of the project;

c) Determining detailed estimates for each component of the project.

5. Develop plans and organize project implementation, including:

a) Organizational and supervisory work for project implementation;

b) Developing overall schedules and schedules for implementing each content of the work;

c) Anticipating funding schedules to implement project tasks.

6. Summarize and develop the project.

7. Submit the project for approval.

Chapter 3

REGIONAL AND PROVINCIAL LEVEL LAND SURVEYING AND EVALUATION FOR THE FIRST TIME

Section 1

REGIONAL AND PROVINCIAL LEVEL LAND QUALITY AND POTENTIAL SURVEYING AND EVALUATION

Article 12. Collection of Information, Documents, Data, and Maps

1. Collect groups of information, documents, data, and maps on natural conditions and natural resources related to land quality, land potential, including:

a) Collect groups of information, documents, data, and maps on land, land quality, land pollution, land degradation, and agricultural land classification (if applicable);

b) Collect groups of information, documents, data, and maps on land environmental conditions, climate, and climate change;

c) Collect groups of information, documents, data, and maps on surface water irrigation and hydrology.

2. Collect groups of information, documents, data, and maps on socio-economic conditions and land management and use situations, including:

a) Collect groups of information, documents, and data on socio-economic development situations;

b) Collect groups of information, documents, data, and maps on current land use status and changes, land management, and use situations.

Article 13. Evaluation and selection of collected information, documents, data, and maps

1. Compilation, analysis, and evaluation of the accuracy, objectivity, and timeliness of collected information, documents, data, and maps, including:

a) Arranging and classifying according to subject matter, source, or time of compilation;

b) Comparing old data with current status to determine the suitability of each data source with reality (focusing on essential documents and data for the objectives, scale, and land boundaries to be evaluated);

c) Analyzing and evaluating the accuracy, objectivity, and timeliness of collected information, documents, data, and maps, selecting those that can be inherited and used for land quality investigation and potential assessment.

2. Selection of usable information, documents, data, and maps, identifying information, documents, data, and maps requiring supplementary investigation, including:

a) Selecting usable information, documents, data, and maps;

b) Comparing selected sources of information, documents, data, and maps with necessary input requirements for land quality investigation and potential assessment, determining missing information requiring supplementary investigation;

c) Preparing a report on the results of collecting information, documents, data, and maps.

Article 14. Determination of Content and Field Investigation Plan

1. Preparation of the investigation result map:

a) Transferring contents of information on agricultural land use conditions including: current status, changes, and land use structure conversion from the current land use map and collected information, documents, data, and maps onto the investigation result map;

b) Transferring related information on soil such as soil type/group, soil layer thickness, texture, gravel, exposed rock; topography (slope, relative topography) from the land map and collected information, documents, data, and maps onto the investigation result map;

c) Transferring contents of information on climate including: rainfall, total heat sum, drought, wind from the climate zoning map and collected information, documents, data, and maps onto the investigation result map;

d) Transferring related information on water regime, including: irrigation system, saltwater intrusion, flooding from the water management and surface hydrology map and collected information, documents, data, and maps onto the investigation result map;

đ) Transferring related information on degradation types, degraded soil types, degree of degradation from the land degradation map (if available) and collected information, documents, data, and maps onto the investigation result map;

e) Transferring related information on polluted areas from the current environmental land map (if available) and collected information, documents, data, and maps onto the investigation result map.

2. Preliminary survey and determination of information, content, number of cross-sections, and areas requiring field investigation, including:

a) Conducting preliminary surveys and determining investigation direction and route;

b) Calculating the number of soil cross-sections and investigation forms according to Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular.

3. Determining the boundaries of delineated land and locations for soil cross-section excavation on the investigation result map, including:

a) Determining the boundaries of delineated lands requiring investigation on the investigation result map according to the method prescribed in Section 2 of Appendix 1.2 issued together with this Circular;

b) Constructing a network diagram of cross-sections according to the construction method prescribed in Section 2 of Appendix 1.2 issued together with this Circular;

c) Printing the investigation result map for field investigation purposes;

d) Statistics on the number of delineated lands and characteristics of the delineated lands under investigation;

đ) Determining the investigation content for each delineated land and area at the field site.

4. Preparation of soil cross-section descriptions and land potential investigation forms according to the model prescribed in Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular;

5. Construction of a field investigation plan report.

Article 15. On-site Soil Investigation and Sampling

1. Review and adjust the boundaries of the soil investigation area according to criteria related to land types based on usage purposes, soil properties, topography, and water regimes onto the map of investigation results.

2. Determine the location of the soil investigation area and mark excavation cross-section points on the map of investigation results. The coordinates of the excavation cross-section points shall be determined using positioning devices.

3. Excavate (drill) and describe soil cross-sections; collect soil samples and cross-section samples:

a) Excavate (drill) soil cross-sections;

b) Take photographs illustrating soil cross-sections and landscape views of the investigation area;

c) Describe soil cross-sections (according to the soil cross-section description template);

d) Collect soil samples and cross-section samples, package, and preserve them (soil sampling for assessing total soluble salt content should be conducted during the dry season).

4. Provide information about the soil investigation area or enter information into the common database (digital version):

a) Location, topography, weather, coordinates of the excavation cross-section points;

b) Type of soil (or subsoil group); topography (slope or relative topography); thickness of the fine soil layer and other soil property information;

c) Water regime (irrigation, salinity intrusion, flooding).

5. Statistically summarize the quantity and characteristics of the on-site soil investigation areas.

6. Transfer the network of excavation cross-section points and the boundaries of the investigation areas according to the on-site investigation results onto the map of investigation results.

7. Prepare a report on the field investigation results.

Article 16. Agricultural Land Use Situation and Land Potential Investigation

1. Investigate the situation of agricultural land use, including:

a) Current status, changes, and the situation of land use structure transformation;

b) Yield trends over the past five years by usage purpose;

c) Land cultivation techniques such as paddy field design, tillage, fertilization, plant protection chemicals, forest product exploitation, aquaculture, and crop harvesting;

d) Investment levels for each usage purpose such as seeds, fertilizers, feed, and plant protection chemicals.

2. Investigate the potential of agricultural and non-agricultural lands through economic, social, and environmental efficiency indicators.

3. Factors related to the process of land quality change such as topography, climate, vegetation cover, and water regime.

4. Content of the investigation of agricultural land use situations and land potential according to the investigation form prescribed in Appendix 4.

Article 17. Internal and External Information Synthesis and Processing

1. Synthesize information, select factors and classification criteria used in creating thematic maps from collected data, including:

a) Synthesize, select, and classify criteria on the collected land map;

b) Synthesize, select, and classify criteria on the collected climate map;

c) Synthesize, select, and classify criteria on the collected irrigation and surface water hydrology map.

2. Prepare the base of the result product map:

a) Determine the mathematical basis and general elements for the result product map;

b) Convert numerical data from thematic maps or specialized information layers on land use conditions, soil properties, topography, climate, water regime, land degradation, and soil pollution with different formats to a unified format;

c) Identify and adjust the content elements of the result product map;

d) Complete the standard base elements for the result product map;

đ) Transfer the synthesis results of Clause 1 of this Article to the digital map.

3. Design attribute data storage fields in each information layer corresponding to thematic map classification. Content and data structure according to Appendix 5 issued together with this Circular. Designed information layers include:

a) Topographic information layer (slope, relative topography), soil information layer (soil type/subsoil group, soil layer thickness, mechanical composition, structure, intermixed rocks, exposed rocks);

b) Land use condition information layer (land type by usage purpose, land use structure transformation situation, land cultivation techniques, investment level, yield trend);

c) Climate information layer (precipitation, total temperature, number of dry months);

d) Water regime information layer (irrigation, salinity intrusion, flooding);

đ) Soil fertility information layer (for agricultural and unused land);

e) Information layer on land degradation and soil pollution types (if applicable);

g) Quality assessment result information layer (quality unit);

h) Economic efficiency information layer (added value, investment efficiency) and economic efficiency assessment result (low, medium, high) by usage purpose;

i) Social efficiency information layer (labor demand resolution, user acceptance level, suitability with economic-social development strategy and planning, suitability with industry strategy and planning) and social efficiency assessment result (low, medium, high) by usage purpose;

k) Environmental efficiency information layer (increase in land coverage; maintain land protection; reduce land degradation and pollution) and environmental efficiency assessment result (low, medium, high) by usage purpose;

l) Land potential assessment result information layer (low, medium, high) by usage purpose.

4. Soil sample analysis:

a) Select soil samples for analysis including all main cross-section soil samples and surface layer soil samples of secondary cross-sections;

b) Analysis criteria include bulk density, soil acidity (pH), total organic matter (OM%), mechanical composition (sand, fine sand, loam, clay), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen (N%), total phosphorus (P_{Soil pH}%), total potassium (K₂O₅O%); for coastal areas, additional analysis criteria include total sulfur and total soluble salts.₂5. Compile tables and figures serving the creation of soil quality and land potential maps.

6. Synthesize and process investigation forms.

7. Prepare a report on the synthesis and processing of information results.

7. Prepare a report summarizing the results and processing information.

Article 18. Construction of Land Quality Maps and Land Potential Maps

1. Construction of land quality maps (The procedure for constructing land quality maps is stipulated in Diagram 4 of Appendix 7 issued together with this Circular) includes the following contents:

a) Determining and classifying the set of criteria for evaluating land quality according to the provisions at Section 3.1.2 of Appendix 3 issued together with this Circular;

b) Entering attribute information into each plot of land according to the layers of information designed at Points a, b, c, d, đ, and e of Clause 3, Article 17 of this Circular;

c) Classifying information according to groups of criteria for each plot of land;

d) Establishing specialized information layers on land, topography, climate, water regime, soil fertility, and land use status;

đ) Overlapping specialized information layers on land, topography, climate, water regime, and soil fertility to construct land quality maps;

e) Overlapping land quality maps and information layers on land use status to determine land quality based on land use purposes;

g) Establishing a system of legends and editing the land quality map;

h) Printing the map and preparing a report explaining the land quality map.

2. Construction of land potential maps (The procedure for constructing land potential maps is stipulated in Diagram 5 of Appendix 7 issued together with this Circular) includes the following contents:

a) Determining and classifying the set of criteria for evaluating land potential according to the provisions at Section 3.1.3 of Appendix 3 issued together with this Circular;

b) Entering attribute information into each plot of land according to the layers of information designed at Points h, i, k, and 1 of Clause 3, Article 17 of this Circular;

c) Classifying information according to groups of criteria for each plot of land;

d) Establishing a specialized information layer on economic efficiency, social efficiency, and environmental efficiency;

đ) Overlapping the specialized information layers at Point d of this Clause and the land quality information layer to construct land potential maps;

e) Overlapping land potential maps and information layers on land use status to determine land potential based on land use purposes;

g) Establishing a system of legends and editing the land quality map;

h) Printing the map and preparing a report explaining the land potential map.

Article 19. Analysis and Evaluation of Current Land Quality and Land Potential

1. Analysis and evaluation of current land quality:

a) Compiling the system of evaluation tables for land quality according to the provisions at Clause 1, Article 8 of this Circular;

b) Analyzing and evaluating the processes of formation and change in land quality;

c) Analyzing and evaluating the impact of natural conditions, socio-economic conditions, land management and use status on land quality;

d) Analyzing and evaluating the current land quality based on land use purposes;

đ) Summarizing and evaluating initial land quality;

2. Analysis and evaluation of land potential:

a) Compiling the system of evaluation tables for land potential according to the provisions at Clause 2, Article 8 of this Circular;

b) Analyzing and evaluating the impact of natural conditions on land potential;

c) Analyzing and evaluating the impact of socio-economic development on land potential;

d) Analyzing and evaluating the impact of land management and use status on land potential;

đ) Analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of land use (economic, social, and environmental efficiency);

e) Analyzing and evaluating land potential based on land use purposes;

3. Preparing a report on the initial evaluation of land quality and land potential.

Article 20. Proposing solutions for land protection, improvement, and sustainable land use orientation

1. Determine the viewpoints and strategic objectives for sustainable exploitation of land resources.

2. Identify management and sustainable land use solutions.

3. Identify technical solutions for land protection and improvement.

4. Propose land use orientations.

Article 21. Building comprehensive reports and project summary reports

1. Prepare appendices and small-scale maps attached to the report.

2. Compile a comprehensive report on the results of land quality surveys and assessments, and land potential.

3. Make copies of documents, organize seminars.

4. Complete survey and assessment documents on land quality and land potential.

5. Build a summary report and a project conclusion report.

6. Acceptance and handover of results.

Section 2

PROVINCE LEVEL SOIL POLLUTION INVESTIGATION AND ASSESSMENT

Article 22. Collecting information, documents, data, and maps for soil pollution evaluation v1. Collect groups of information, documents, data, and maps related to natural conditions and natural resources associated with the soil pollution process, including natural conditions and resource sources.

2. Collect groups of information, documents, data, and maps on socio-economic development and land management and use.

3. Collect groups of information, documents, data, and maps related to the current status and degree of soil pollution in areas without investigation, assessment, and classification results according to environmental protection laws, including: environmental status (soil, water); pollution sources (industrial zones, small-scale industrial clusters, craft villages; mining and mineral processing areas; medical waste dumps, household waste dumps; aquaculture and seafood processing areas; agricultural areas using large amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides; pesticide storage areas; other pollution sources); historical land use to determine residual pollution sources; pollution area assessment and classification results (if any); land degradation and quality investigation results (if any).

Article 23. Evaluating and selecting collected information and documents

1. Summarize, analyze, and evaluate the accuracy, objectivity, and timeliness of collected information, documents, data, and maps.

2. Select information and specialized maps that can be inherited and used; identify information requiring additional investigation.

3. Build a report evaluating the results of information and document collection.

Article 24. Developing a plan for on-site soil sampling investigations

1. Determine the contents to be investigated on-site: pollution source (pollutant); pollution spread direction; boundaries of areas at risk of pollution; outline the soil sampling route and density and number of sampling points.

2. Prepare maps for on-site investigations (hereinafter referred to as investigation result maps):

a) Use base maps as prescribed in Point b Clause 1 Article 5 of this Circular;

b) Transfer collected information about pollution sources, pollution points, slope levels, or relative terrain onto the investigation result map.

3. Determine the layout diagram of sampling point locations: preliminarily mark the locations of planned sampling points on the investigation map.

4. Develop a detailed on-site investigation plan and prepare all necessary conditions for the investigation.

5. Build a report on the investigation and survey plan.

5. Prepare a report on the plan for field investigation and survey.

Article 25. On-site Sampling Investigation

1. Investigate to determine the sources of pollution, pollution agents, the direction of pollution spread, and related topographical and physical features, including:

a) Investigate to identify soil pollution sources and pollution agents from industrial, small-scale industrial, craft village activities; mineral extraction and processing; healthcare; aquaculture and seafood processing; intensive agricultural areas and other activities that may cause soil pollution (if any). Soil pollution sources and pollution agents as specified in Table 13 of Appendix 3 issued together with this Circular;

b) Investigate and determine the direction of pollution spread according to the slope of the terrain (spreading from high to low), along water flow direction (from upstream to downstream), wind direction (from upwind to downwind), and other factors;

c) Investigate and determine topographical and physical features capable of blocking or stopping the direction of pollution spread such as moats, roads, slopes, cliffs, villages, green belts, lakes, rivers, streams, canals, and other topographical and physical features.

The investigation of contents as prescribed in this Clause shall only be carried out in areas that have not yet had results of soil environmental pollution investigation, assessment, and classification as stipulated by environmental protection laws.

2. Determine the boundaries of delineated land on the investigation result map:

a) Determine the boundaries of delineated land based on criteria: pollution sources, topography, current land use status, direction of pollution spread, and ability to block or stop the direction of pollution spread;

b) Adjust the positions of sampling points for soil (mud for aquaculture) and external field water samples; determine the coordinates of soil sampling points.

3. Take photographs of the surface landscape of the delineated land under investigation.

4. Provide information about the soil investigation area or enter information into the common database (digital version):

a) Location, topography, weather conditions, coordinates of soil (mud) and water sampling points;

b) Pollution sources, current land use status, direction of pollution spread, and ability to block or stop the direction of pollution spread.

5. Collect soil (mud) and water samples; package, store samples, and fill out sampling forms as prescribed in Appendix 4.4 and Appendix 4.5 issued together with this Circular.

6. Transfer the network of sampling points and delineated land boundaries according to the on-site investigation results onto the investigation result map.

7. Prepare a report on the results of the on-site investigation.

Article 26. Compilation of Data, Identification of Polluted and Potentially Polluted Land Areas 1. Compile and process internal and external information materials:

a) Create a list of delineated lands for investigation;

b) Compile tables and figures of data for assessing the current state of soil pollution.

2. Analyze soil and water samples:

a) Review and classify collected soil and water samples;

b) Determine the parameters to be analyzed;

c) Analyze soil (mud) and water samples according to selected parameters;

d) Statistically compile the results of soil (mud) and water sample analysis.

3. Prepare base maps for constructing polluted land maps:

a) Determine the mathematical basis and common elements for the polluted land map as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 6 of this Circular;

b) Transfer the delineation results from the investigation result map (paper version) to the polluted land map (digital version);

c) Determine and adjust the main content elements of the polluted land map;

d) Complete the foundational elements for the polluted land map.

4. Design data attribute storage fields within each information layer in a format corresponding to thematic map classification levels. Content and data structure as prescribed in Appendix 5 issued together with this Circular. Designed information layers include:

a) Information layer about topography, current land use status, locations of soil sampling points;

b) Information layer about pollution sources, pollution agents, boundary regions (areas) affected by pollution;

c) Information layer about point-type pollution (at specific points), area-type pollution (according to delineated land boundaries);

d) Information layer about soil and water sample analysis results;

e) Information layer about soil pollution evaluation results.

đ) The layer of information on the assessment results of soil contamination.

Article 27. Construction of Contaminated Land Maps

The procedure for constructing contaminated land maps shall be carried out according to the diagram 6 attached as Appendix 7 of this Circular, including the following contents:

1. Input attribute information according to the layers of information designed under Clause 4, Article 26 of this Circular to each soil sampling point or delineated area.

2. Determine and classify the criteria for assessing soil contamination as prescribed in Tables 12, 14, 15, and 16 attached as Appendix 3 of this Circular.

3. Overlay the layers of information under Clause 1 of this Article to establish the contaminated land map.

4. Develop the legend system and edit.

5. Identify contaminated land areas and potential contamination risks on the contaminated land map.

6. Prepare a report explaining the contaminated land maps of various areas.

Article 28. Proposing Management Orientation for Sustainable Land Use

1. Alert areas of contaminated land or potential contamination.

2. Propose management orientation for sustainable land use.

Article 29. Preparing Reports on Investigation and Assessment of Soil Contamination

1. Establish a system of soil contamination data tables.

2. Analyze and assess the current state of soil contamination.

3. Prepare appendices and small-scale maps to be attached to the report.

4. Compile a comprehensive report summarizing the results of the investigation and assessment of soil contamination.

Section 3

PROVINCE-WIDE INVESTIGATION AND RATING OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS

Article 30. Collection of Information, Documents, Data, and Maps

1. Collect information, documents, data, and maps related to agricultural land groups, excluding other agricultural lands as stipulated in Article 12 of this Circular.

2. Evaluate and select collected information, documents, data, and maps, including:

a) Summarize, analyze, and evaluate the accuracy, objectivity, and timeliness of the collected information, documents, data, and maps;

b) Select specialized information, documents, and maps that will be used.

Article 31. Preparation of Field Investigation Plans

1. Prepare the map of field investigation results according to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 14 of this Circular.

2. Define the boundaries of delineated land on the map of field investigation results, including:

a) Define the boundaries of delineated lands planned for investigation on the map of field investigation results according to the method specified in Section 2.1.2 of the attached Appendix;

b) Statistic the number of delineated lands and characteristics of delineated lands to be investigated.

Article 32. Field Investigation

1. Review and adjust the boundaries of the soil investigation area according to criteria related to land types based on usage purposes, soil properties, topography, and water regimes onto the map of investigation results.

2. Describe information about delineated lands under investigation or enter information into the common database (digital version), including:

a) Location, topography, weather;

b) Type of land, topography, thickness of the fine soil layer, and other relevant information;

c) Water regime (irrigation, salinity intrusion, flooding).

3. Take photos of the landscape of delineated lands under investigation.

4. Statistic the number and characteristics of delineated lands investigated in the field.

5. Backup the boundaries of delineated lands according to the field investigation results onto the map of field investigation results.

6. Prepare a report on the results of both field and desk work investigations.

Article 33. Consolidation and Processing of Desk Work and Field Work Information, Documents, Data, and Maps

1. Consolidate and process information, documents, data, and maps according to the provisions of Clauses 1, 2, and 3, Article 17 of this Circular.

2. Prepare a report on the consolidation and processing of information.

Article 34. Construction of Agricultural Land Rating Maps

The procedure for constructing agricultural land rating maps shall be carried out according to the diagram 7 attached as Appendix 7 of this Circular, including the following contents:

1. Constructing land unit maps:

a) Determine and classify the criteria for constructing land unit maps as prescribed in Table 17, Section 3.3 of the attached Appendix 3;

b) Input attribute information to each delineated land according to the layers of information designed under Points a, b, c, d, and đ of Clause 3, Article 17 of this Circular;

c) Overlay the layers of land, topography, climate, and water regime to construct the land unit map;

d) Develop the legend system and edit the map;

đ) Summarize the characteristics, features, and area of each land unit map;

2. Determine types of agricultural land to be evaluated:

a) Overlay the land unit map and the current land use information layer to determine the land use system;

b) Select land types based on their intended use for classification;

c) Determine land use requirements for intended uses according to Table 19 of the attached Appendix 3;

3. Construct agricultural land rating maps for each intended use:

a) Compare land use requirements for each intended use with the characteristics of land units on the land unit map to determine the grade of each delineated land;

b) Develop the legend system and edit the agricultural land rating map for each intended use.

Article 35. Evaluation of the degree of suitability of the current agricultural land use status and preparation of a report on the classification results of agricultural land

1. Statistics the results of land classification, compare the classification results with the current land use status to determine the degree of suitability of the current agricultural land use status.

2. Aggregate land units with the same land grade for the same land use purposes.

3. Analyze and evaluate the degree of suitability of the current agricultural land use status with the classification results.

4. Prepare appendices and small-scale maps attached to the report.

5. Compile a comprehensive report summarizing the investigation and classification results of agricultural land.

Chapter 4

REGIONAL AND PROVINCIAL LAND SURVEY AND EVALUATION NEXT ROUND

Section 1: REGIONAL AND PROVINCIAL LAND QUALITY SURVEY AND POTENTIAL EVALUATION

Article 36. Supplemental information collection, documentation, data, determination of survey content and plan

1. Collect supplemental information, documentation, data, and maps including:

a) Natural conditions, socio-economic conditions, land management and utilization situation serving the next round of land quality survey and potential evaluation;

b) Results of the previous round of land quality survey and potential evaluation;

c) Annual monitoring and surveillance results of soil resources.

2. Evaluate and select collected supplemental information, documentation, data, and maps:

a) Summarize, analyze, and evaluate the accuracy, objectivity, and timeliness of the collected information, documents, data, and maps;

b) Select specialized information, documents, and maps that will be used.

3. Determine the content and plan for field surveys:

a) Prepare the map of the survey results (inheriting the map of the previous survey results);

b) Identify and adjust the boundaries of land plots that have changed compared to the previous survey and evaluation period; determine the content and areas to be surveyed in the field;

c) Determine the number of soil profiles, the number of survey forms; score the soil profile excavation onto the map of the survey results.

The determination of the number of soil profiles and the number of survey forms is stipulated in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular.

Article 37. Field Survey and Processing of Survey Documentation

1. Conduct additional soil sampling surveys according to the provisions of Article 15 of this Circular.

2. Conduct additional surveys on changes in land use situations compared to the previous survey and evaluation period according to the additional survey form specified in Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular.

3. Summarize, process information, documentation, data, and maps:

a) Analyze soil samples;

b) Compile tables and figures to serve the construction of land quality maps and land potential maps;

c) Summarize and process survey forms;

d) Prepare a report summarizing the processing of information, documentation, data, and maps from the survey.

Article 38. Construction of Land Quality Maps and Land Potential Maps

1. Construction of Land Quality Maps:

a) Input and classify attribute information according to the results of additional surveys to each plot on the previous land quality map; establish specialized information layers on land, topography, climate, water regime, soil fertility, and current land use status;

b) Overlay specialized information layers to construct the next round of land quality maps;

c) Overlay the next round of land quality maps and the layer of current land use information to determine land quality based on land use purposes;

d) Complete and edit the land quality map;

đ) Print the map and prepare a description report for the next round of land quality maps.

2. Construction of Land Potential Maps:

a) Input and classify attribute information according to the results of additional surveys to each plot on the previous land potential map; establish specialized information layers on economic efficiency (value added, investment effectiveness); social efficiency (labor demand resolution; user acceptance level; alignment with economic and social development strategies and plans; alignment with industry strategies and plans); environmental efficiency (increased land cover capacity; land protection maintenance; reduction of degradation and pollution);

b) Overlay specialized information layers and the land quality information layer to construct the next round of land potential maps;

c) Overlay the next round of land potential maps and the layer of current land use information to determine land potential based on land use purposes;

d) Complete and edit the land potential map;

đ) Print the map and prepare a description report for the next round of land potential maps.

Article 39. Analyze and assess changes in land quality and potential compared to the previous period; propose additional solutions for land protection, improvement, and sustainable land management.

Clause 1. Analyze and assess the current status of land quality and potential according to its intended use.

a) Compiling the system of evaluation tables for land quality according to the provisions at Clause 1, Article 8 of this Circular;

Point b. Analyze and assess the current status of land quality and potential according to the intended use of the land.

Clause 2. Analyze and assess trends in changes in land quality and potential compared to the previous period.

Point a. Assess changes in land quality compared to the previous period.

Point b. Assess changes in land potential compared to the previous period.

Point c. Analyze and assess trends and causes of changes in land quality and potential compared to the previous period.

Clause 3. Propose additional solutions for land improvement, protection, and management.

Point a. Evaluate the implementation of land improvement, protection, and management solutions proposed in the previous period.

Point b. Propose additional solutions for land improvement, protection, and management suitable for the current land quality and potential.

Article 40. Prepare a comprehensive report on the results of the next round of land quality investigation and assessment.

1. Prepare appendices and small-scale maps attached to the report.

Clause 2. Compile a comprehensive report on the results of the next round of land quality investigation and assessment.

3. Make copies of documents, organize seminars.

Clause 4. Complete the investigation and assessment documentation for the next round.

Clause 5. Acceptance and handover of results.

Section 2

PROVINCE LEVEL SOIL POLLUTION INVESTIGATION AND ASSESSMENT

Article 41. Collect additional information, documents, data, and maps.

1. Collect supplemental information, documentation, data, and maps including:

Point a. Natural conditions, socio-economic situation, land management and usage status, current pollution levels and extent.

Point b. Results of the previous round of soil pollution investigation and assessment.

c) Annual monitoring and surveillance results of soil resources.

Clause 2. Evaluate the selection of collected supplementary information, documents, data, and maps.

Point a. Summarize, analyze, and evaluate the accuracy, objectivity, and timeliness of the collected information, documents, data, and maps.

Point b. Select information, documents, data, and maps to be used.

Clause 3. Develop a plan for supplementary field soil sampling investigations.

Point a. Prepare the map of investigation results: for areas where contaminated land maps have been established, inherit the previous investigation result map; for newly emerging areas, follow the provisions of Clauses 1 and 2, Article 25 of this Circular.

Point b. Determine the number of soil and water samples according to the provisions of Section 2.1.2 of Appendix 2 of this Circular.

Point c. Identify and adjust the boundaries of land plots that have changed since the previous investigation and assessment; determine the content and areas to be investigated on-site; identify the locations of soil and water sample points on the investigation result map.

Article 42. Conduct supplementary field soil and water sampling investigations.

Clause 1. For areas where contaminated land maps were established in the previous period:

Point a. Investigate and determine changes in sources of soil pollution, pollution spread directions, and factors capable of preventing or blocking pollution spread compared to the previous investigation and assessment.

Point b. Collect supplementary soil and water samples (if necessary).

Clause 2. For areas not yet established with contaminated land maps, conduct supplementary field sampling investigations according to the provisions of Article 25 of this Circular.

Clause 3. Prepare a report on the results of the field investigation.

Article 43. Consolidate information, documents, data, and maps from the investigation; identify polluted and potentially polluted land points.

Clause 1. For areas previously investigated and assessed for pollution, follow the provisions of Clauses 1 and 2, Article 26 of this Circular.

Clause 2. For newly emerging polluted areas, follow the provisions of Article 26 of this Circular.

Article 44. Preparation of the next contaminated land map

1. For areas that have been surveyed and assessed for contamination in the previous period, update the contaminated land map:

a) Update point and area pollution information layers based on the results of additional soil sample analysis to be added to the previous contaminated land map.

b) Supplement annotations (if any).

2. For newly contaminated areas, follow the provisions set out in Article 27 of this Circular.

3. Prepare an explanatory report for the contaminated land map.

Article 45. Preparation of the next report assessing current land contamination and warning about potential new contaminated areas

1. Establish a system of soil contamination data tables.

2. Analyze and assess the current state of land contamination; evaluate the outcomes of measures taken to remediate contaminated land in the previous period.

3. Warn about areas that are contaminated or at risk of becoming newly contaminated.

4. Propose solutions and measures for land remediation and protection.

5. Prepare appendices and smaller-scale maps to be attached to the report.

6. Compile a comprehensive report summarizing the results of the next round of land contamination investigation and assessment.

Section 3

PROVINCE-WIDE AGRICULTURAL LAND CLASSIFICATION SURVEY

Article 46. Supplemental Information Collection, Documentation, Data, and Field Survey

1. Collect supplemental information, documentation, data, and maps:

a) Natural conditions, socio-economic factors, and land management and usage situations to serve the next agricultural land classification survey;

b) Results of the previous agricultural land classification survey.

Clause 2. Evaluate the selection of collected supplementary information, documents, data, and maps.

a) Summarize, analyze, and evaluate the accuracy, objectivity, and timeliness.

b) Select specialized information, documents, and maps that will be used.

3. Determine the content and plan for the supplemental field survey:

a) Prepare the map of the survey results (inheriting the map of the previous survey results);

b) Identify and adjust the boundaries of delineated land that have changed since the previous survey and assessment period; determine the content and areas to be surveyed in the field.

4. Conduct supplemental surveys and review and adjust the boundaries of delineated land that have changed since the previous survey in the field.

The survey content shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Article 32 of this Circular.

5. Consolidate and process survey information and documentation, and prepare a report on the survey results.

Article 47. Preparation of the Next Agricultural Land Classification Map

1. Update the specialized information layers of the previous agricultural land classification map; input and classify attribute information (land, topography, climate, water regime, current land use status) according to the results of the supplemental survey down to each delineated plot.

2. Determine types of agricultural land to be evaluated:

a) Determine the land use system and land type based on the purpose of use;

b) Determine land use requirements for newly emerging purposes of use.

3. Prepare the next agricultural land classification map for each purpose of use in accordance with Clause 3 of Article 34 of this Circular.

Article 48. Evaluation of the Suitability of Current Agricultural Land Use Status and Preparation of the Report on the Next Land Classification Results

1. Statistics the results of land classification, compare the classification results with the current land use status to determine the degree of suitability of the current agricultural land use status.

2. Aggregate land units with the same land grade for the same land use purposes.

3. Analyze and evaluate changes in land classification compared to the previous classification results.

4. Prepare appendices and small-scale maps attached to the report.

5. Compile a comprehensive report summarizing the results of the next round of agricultural land survey and classification.

Chapter 5

NATIONAL LAND ASSESSMENT FIRST AND NEXT ROUND

Article 49. National Soil Quality Assessment

1. Construction of Land Quality Maps:

a) Integrate and connect soil quality maps of economic and social regions at a scale of 1/250,000;

b) Summarize and generalize the contents of national soil quality maps at a scale of 1/1,000,000;

c) Edit, present, and print the maps;

d) Prepare an explanatory report for the national soil quality map.

2. Analyze and evaluate the national soil quality:

a) Compiling the system of evaluation tables for land quality according to the provisions at Clause 1, Article 8 of this Circular;

b) Analyzing and evaluating the processes of formation and change in land quality;

c) Analyzing and evaluating the impact of natural conditions, socio-economic conditions, land management and use status on land quality;

d) Analyzing and evaluating the current land quality based on land use purposes;

đ) Summarizing and evaluating initial land quality;

Article 50. Evaluation of National Land Potential

1. Construction of a national land potential map:

a) Integration and compilation of regional economic and social land potential maps at a scale of 1/250,000;

b) Synthesis and generalization of the contents of the national land potential map at a scale of 1/1,000,000;

c) Edit, present, and print the maps;

d) Preparation of a report explaining the national land potential map.

2. Analysis and evaluation of national land potential:

a) Compiling the system of evaluation tables for land potential according to the provisions at Clause 2, Article 8 of this Circular;

b) Analysis and assessment of the impact of natural conditions, socio-economic factors, land management and utilization on land potential;

c) Analysis and assessment of land use efficiency (economic, social, and environmental benefits);

d) Analysis and assessment of current land potential according to land use purposes;

đ) Compilation of the initial assessment of land potential.

Article 51. Construction of a comprehensive report on the results of land quality and national land potential assessment

1. Prepare appendices and small-scale maps attached to the report.

2. Compilation of a comprehensive report on the results of land quality and national land potential assessment.

3. Construction of a summary report.

4. Acceptance and handover of the results of land quality and national land potential assessment.

Chapter 6

MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE OF LAND RESOURCES

Article 52. Establishment of a monitoring plan and sampling for land resource surveillance

1. Development of a detailed implementation plan for monitoring, including:

a) Determination of the contents to be monitored and supervised, including: soil fertility; salinization, acidification; erosion, sediment transport; soil pollution; landslides, alluviation; drought, desertification, sandification;

b) Selection of sampling points for monitoring;

c) Drawing up a network diagram of sampling points on the provincial land use status map;

d) Preliminary determination of monitoring routes in the field;

đ) Determination of the timing of monitoring;

e) Determination of the monitoring methods;

g) Preparation of all necessary conditions for monitoring: equipment, machinery; tools; materials; sample forms; means; manpower; finance;

h) Construction of a detailed implementation plan report for monitoring.

2. Sampling for monitoring land resources:

a) Determination of the location of sampling points outside the field. For erosion and sediment transport samples, take them from fixed erosion channels;

b) Sampling for monitoring; packaging and preserving samples (for drought-affected soil samples, seal tightly and send to the laboratory for immediate analysis; for erosion, collect once a month during the rainy season and once during the dry season);

c) Writing sampling forms and descriptions;

d) Construction of a report on sampling for monitoring land resources.

3. Conducting surveys:

a) For drought-affected soil samples, investigate drought indices, desertification, and sandification indicators;

b) For cemented soil and calcareous soil samples, measure the quantity (% surface area of cut sections or % volume of soil), shape, and size of cemented particles;

c) For samples of landslides, slope failures, and subsidence in mountainous areas; riverbank erosion and coastal sedimentation: survey and determine the area and dimensions of the affected zones.

Article 53. Compilation of monitoring data and early warning of areas with severe degradation and pollution requiring supervision

1. Sample analysis:

a) Review and classify collected soil samples;

b) Determine the criteria and analytical methods according to Appendix 1.2 issued together with this Circular;

c) Conduct soil sample analysis.

2. Compilation of monitoring results:

a) Systematize tables, charts, graphs, and data on soil fertility;

b) Systematize tables, charts, graphs, and data on soil pollution (heavy metals, plant protection chemicals);

c) Systematize tables, charts, graphs, and data on land degradation (salinity, acidification; erosion, drought, desertification; cementation, calcareous soil formation);

d) Systematize tables, charts, graphs, and data on natural disaster incidents: landslides, slope failures, and subsidence in mountainous areas; riverbank erosion.

3. Compare with previous monitoring results (if available) to analyze and assess changes (trends) in criteria such as soil quality (fertility); land degradation; soil pollution; natural disasters.

4. Identify and issue early warnings for areas with severe degradation and pollution requiring supervision (increased pollution and degradation levels or risk of natural disasters and decreased soil quality).

5. Propose solutions and measures to be implemented in regions and areas experiencing land degradation.

Article 54. Construction of monitoring reports on natural resource land

1. Collect the appendices containing monitoring data attached to the report.

2. Compile the report on the results of monitoring and supervising natural resource land.

3. Acceptance and handover of the results of monitoring and supervising natural resource land.

Chapter 7

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 55. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from February 1, 2016.

Article 56. Responsibility for Enforcement

The Director of the Land Administration General Department, the Chairmen of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, the Directors of Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment, the Heads of units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and related organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

During implementation, if there are difficulties or obstacles, agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to promptly reflect them to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for consideration and decision./.