Agricultural Land Classification Survey: South Cliffe, Market Weighton (1989-1999)

Original paper maps and survey reports detail the Agricultural Land Classification for the South Cliffe, Market Weighton area in England. The data, surveyed between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b. Scanned maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000 are provided, along with unedited soil point data and pit descriptions 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 unedited sample point soils data and pit descriptions.
• Map land-use suitability for planning or environmental impact assessments using the scanned geospatial survey maps.
• Study changes in land classification over time by comparing this post-1988 survey with earlier or later datasets.

Strengths

• Uses the established grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail for moderate quality land.
• Contains original scanned maps at varying scales, typically 1:10,000, and supplementary soil point data.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; data is historical (1989-1999) and freshness is unverified.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil analysis and mapping, with results recorded on paper maps and in reports.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Historical data from surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

South Cliffe, Market Weighton area in England.