Agricultural Land Classification Survey: Somersham Pit (West) Detailed Soil Maps
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Description
Scanned original paper maps and survey reports for the Somersham Pit (West) site, part of the Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey series. The data was collected in detail between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and includes soil pit descriptions and unedited sample point data for some surveys. Maps are provided at scales ranging from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, with Grade 3 land subdivided into subgrades 3a and 3b.
Use Cases
Classifying agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
Analyzing soil characteristics and variability using the available soil pit descriptions and sample point data.
Integrating historical land quality data with modern GIS layers for land-use planning.
Studying the spatial distribution of Grade 3a and 3b subgrades for precision agriculture or environmental impact assessments.
Strengths
Uses the current grading methodology as described in the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.
Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
Contains original, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions for some surveys.
Limitations
Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
Data is derived from scanned original paper maps, which may introduce digitization artifacts or require georeferencing.
Provenance
Source
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (survey), Natural England and Ordnance Survey (copyright).
Collection Method
Detailed site surveys involving soil mapping and classification, with results captured on paper maps and reports later scanned.
Time Range
Survey conducted between 1989 and 1999.
Freshness
Survey data collected between 1989 and 1999; last update date for the digital release is unknown.
Geography
Somersham Pit (West) site, location in England and Wales.