Highfields: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports, 1989-1999

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification survey data includes scanned original paper maps and reports for individual sites surveyed in detail between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Surveys use the grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' publication and map land grades, including the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b. Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some surveys.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze historical soil characteristics and land quality based on the available soil pit descriptions and sample point data.
• Map land use suitability for planning or environmental assessment using the geospatial survey maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Strengths

• Includes original scanned maps and detailed survey reports for individual sites.
• Surveys use a defined national grading methodology and subdivide Grade 3 land into 3a and 3b subgrades.
• Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count, file formats, and column-level documentation are unknown.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias inherent to surveys conducted in England and Wales between 1989 and 1999.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (survey), Natural England and Ordnance Survey (copyright).

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999, with results compiled into paper maps and reports later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Survey data covers 1989-1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

Individual survey sites in England and Wales (specific to the 'Highfields' survey area).