The field deployable Soil Observation Topographic Differential Absorption LiDAR (SOTDiAL) is a compact remote sensing system that is utilized to determine soil properties remotely. The SOTDiAL is the first system of its kind, thereby promising future potential in the realm of remotely-sensed soil properties. Direct active and passive measurements made with the system are correlated with in situ soil suction (soil water potential) and index properties used to classify the soil (clay content, plasticity index). The SOTDiAL system is easily transportable to any site of interest and the occupation of a single point may provide 360-degree data with unsurpassed spatial and temporal resolution at a range of up to 1500 feet. The SOTDiAL may be deployed to scan earthen dams and embankments, mine tailings, landfill liners, unstable slopes, post-wildfire burn basins, or any project where the soil properties may be of interest. The nature of the remotely sensed data eliminates the need for the installation of expensive instrumentation networks or laboratory testing. Furthermore, the remote measurements may reduce risk for sites that may be difficult to access or are hazardous to personnel.