# University of Sydney Martian soil mapping > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-sydney-martian-soil-mapping > Updated: 2026-10-19T12:15:53.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed the first comprehensive classification system and global map for Martian soils, covering approximately 92 percent of the planet’s surface. The study, published in the journal CATENA, utilizes orbital observations and planetary models to categorize nearly 800 million locations. The framework, known as the Provisional Polythetic Areth Classification System (PPACS), uses the term ‘areths’ to describe soil classes. It organizes soil properties into a three-tier hierarchy consisting of 10 major realms, 100 assemblages, and 2,000 detailed forms based on factors such as texture, mineralogy, pH, and profile thickness. To assist future space exploration and colonization, the research team, led by PhD candidate Daniel Irving and Professor Alex McBratney, developed a scoring system to evaluate soil viability for greenhouse agriculture. This evaluation considers water retention, pH, profile thickness, clay content, and gravel proportion to help identify optimal locations for life-support and agricultural bases. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: University of Sydney researchers create first global Martian soil map University of Sydney researchers have mapped 92% of Martian soil, classifying 800 million locations into 2,000 types to identify optimal sites for future greenhouse agriculture. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-sydney-researchers-create-first-global-martian-soil-map ### 2026-10-17: University of Sydney researchers map Martian soils University of Sydney researchers have created the first comprehensive map and classification system for Martian soils, identifying 2,000 distinct types to aid future space exploration and habitation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-sydney-researchers-map-martian-soils --- Cite as: University of Sydney Martian soil mapping. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-sydney-martian-soil-mapping