Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCL05897

England and Wales agricultural land classification data from detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports for individual sites, using a grading methodology that subdivides Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b. For some surveys, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available.

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 available soil pit descriptions and sample point data.
• Map land use suitability for planning or environmental impact assessments using the scanned geospatial survey maps.
• Study temporal changes in agricultural land classification by comparing this post-1988 data with earlier surveys.

Strengths

• Data is based on detailed site surveys conducted by a government ministry (MAFF) over a defined 10-year period (1989-1999).
• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into more precise subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Original survey maps and reports are provided, offering primary source material.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Maps were created at varying scales (1:5,000 to 1:50,000), which may affect spatial consistency.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed agricultural land classification surveys of individual sites, resulting in paper maps and reports which were later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

null

Geography

England and Wales (specific site: Newcastle Airport/Castle Morpeth)