ALCC01895d: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports, 1989-1999

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data for the Shelthorpe/Woodthorpe site, collected by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food between 1989 and 1999. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports, with soil grading following the methodology described in 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales.' Some surveys also contain unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology referenced in the survey reports.
• Analyze historical soil characteristics and land quality using the available soil pit descriptions and sample point data.
• Map land use suitability for planning purposes based on the geospatial survey maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.
• Study the subdivision of Grade 3 agricultural land into subgrades 3a and 3b for more granular analysis.

Strengths

• Data collection spans a defined 10-year period from 1989 to 1999.
• Surveys use a standardized and documented grading methodology ('Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales').
• Includes both geospatial map data (scanned maps) and textual survey reports, providing multimodal context.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (UK), via Natural England and the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999, with data comprising scanned original paper maps and reports.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data covers 1989-1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

Shelthorpe/Woodthorpe site (Charnwood District, England).