Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCL05894

Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for the Stainsby Hill site in Middlesbrough, produced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and detailed survey reports from site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999, using the grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines. For some surveys, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available.

Use Cases

• Classifying agricultural land capability based on the detailed ALC grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Mapping soil quality and land suitability for planning purposes using the scanned geospatial maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.
• Analyzing soil characteristics and profiles based on the unedited sample point data and soil pit descriptions mentioned for some surveys.

Strengths

• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing more detailed classification.
• Original survey materials (scanned maps and reports) are preserved, offering primary source data.
• Surveys were conducted using a consistent, published grading methodology ('Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales').

Limitations

• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias inherent to the specific survey period (1989-1999) and location.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil analysis and mapping, with results compiled into paper reports and maps later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

null

Geography

Stainsby Hill, Middlesbrough, England, United Kingdom.