Accumulation of trace elements in soils is a continuing environmental problem in many parts of the world. Several factors including industrial and agricultural activities release heavy metals into the soils and result in soil contamination at different levels. Soil contamination can, in turn, cause the pollution of other ecosystem components including water and air and finally end up in food contamination as a major environmental concern. No information is currently available on trace elements concentrations in soils of Qom province. The objective of this research was to evaluate and map the total concentration as well as the amount of available trace elements including Zn, Pb, Cd and Ni, in soils of a selected area in Qom province. A total of 209 composite surface soil samples (0-10 cm) were taken from an area of about 1054 km 2 in Qom province, covering agricultural, urban and uncultivated desert soils. The soil sampling locations were determined using a GPS and land use of each sampling location was recorded. Soil pH, electrical conductivity (ECe) and soil texture were measured. Total Zn, Pb, Cd and Ni were extracted using HNO 3 5N. Also plant available concentration of trace elements was extracted using DTPA solution. Both total and available contents of trace elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The metals concentrations were mapped using Surfer computer program and kriging technique. Omnidirectional variograms were prepared for all the trace elements. The results show lack of suitable spatial structure for Cd and a strong structure for Zn, Pb and Ni for both total and available concentrations. Spherical model was the best model to describe spatial variability of all the parameters. Mean-square estimation error (MSEE), mean estimation error (MEE) and correlation coefficient were used to determine validation of the variograms. Interpolation in blocks by dimensions of 1000*1000 m was made. There were significant differences in total and available concentrations of Pb and Zn, among different land uses. Zinc and lead concentration was much higher in industrial and urban regions as compared with that in agricultural and uncultivated lands. The mean concentration of total Ni in agricultural lands was higher than that of urban and uncultivated areas. No significant relationship was found between the total concentration of trace elements and the soil pH and EC. The results also showed that industrial, urban activities have significantly increased the concentration of Pb and Zn in surface soils of the study region. The major factor in controlling a high concentration of Ni in the area seems to be parent materials. Particularly