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An optimal resolution surveying technique was developed and tested in the solonetzic grassland of Hortobágy, Hungary. Indication of soil properties by vegetation is utilized to create a sampling design by applying a satellite image of the pilot area and to estimate soil properties on the basis of the statistical correlation between vegetation and soil data. The spatial sampling scheme was designed in accordance with the local heterogeneity of the satellite image. In order to study the predictability of the vegetation categories in terms of soil chemical properties, discriminant analysis was used with pH, electrical conductivity, and sodium activity at three depths, used as grouping variables. Based on the taxonomy of vegetation types, about two‐thirds of the cases can be classified and correlated with the soil chemical properties.