Kovtun O. Evolution of Scientific Ideas about Mapping Soils

The dissertation deals with the problem of showing up main rules and tendencies in forming scientific conception about mapping soils. The theoretical principles of this science history are outlined in the paper. The author has worked out the periodization of scientific conception of mapping soils evolution, which includes the period of accumulation knowledge about soils, their using, properties, and geographical boundaries; the period of the first soil maps making - mapping soils according to land users', landowners', travelers', geographers' statistic data by means of polls and soils visual evaluation; the period of scientific-naturalistic approach in mapping soils using geographic-genetic, comparative-geographic, geomorphologic, agrichemical methods; modern period of mapping soils using aerial mapping, modern space navigation technology, latest achievements of physics, chemistry, electronics, and other naturalistic sciences.