ALCC01595a: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey for Biggleswade, 1989-1999

Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCC01595a is a site survey for Biggleswade (Mid Beds LP (site 4)). The dataset contains scanned original paper maps and survey reports from detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. It includes soil data and pit descriptions for some surveys, with maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

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 unedited sample point soils data.
• Map land use suitability for planning purposes based on the geospatial survey maps.
• Study the subdivision of Grade 3 agricultural land into subgrades 3a and 3b.

Strengths

• Original survey maps and reports from a government ministry provide authoritative source material.
• Surveys use a defined and referenced grading methodology ('Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales').
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into more detailed subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Some surveys include supplementary unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Data is derived from scanned paper maps and reports from 1989-1999, which may affect digital usability.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys, mapping, and soil analysis.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection occurred between 1989 and 1999; update status is unknown.

Geography

Biggleswade (Mid Beds), England, United Kingdom.