ALCC01998: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Surveys 1989-1999

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data includes scanned original paper maps and reports for sites like Duddington and Collyweston Quarry. Surveys were conducted in detail between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, using a methodology that subdivides Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b. 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 described in the survey reports.
• Analyze historical soil quality trends based on unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.
• Map land use suitability for planning or conservation based on scanned original paper 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 regional agricultural assessments.

Strengths

• Surveys use the current grading methodology as described in the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' document.
• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing more detailed classification.
• Some surveys contain unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions, offering raw observational data.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data consists of scanned original paper maps and reports, which may require digitization or interpretation for modern GIS use.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Natural England; Ordnance Survey.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999, with results captured in paper maps and reports that were later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data covers surveys from 1989 to 1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

Specific sites in England and Wales, such as Duddington and Collyweston Quarry.