Agricultural Land Classification Survey: Akebar, Wensleydale (1989-1999)

Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for the Akebar, Wensleydale site, produced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps, survey reports, and unedited sample point soils data collected between 1989 and 1999. It is provided by the Government Digital Service and uses the grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and variability using the unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.
• Map land quality at varying scales (from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000) for regional planning and environmental impact assessments.
• Study historical land classification changes in a specific geographic area (Akebar, Wensleydale) over a defined period.

Strengths

• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
• Contains original scanned maps and reports, preserving the primary survey record.
• Covers a specific time period (1989-1999) for longitudinal analysis of land classification practices.

Limitations

• Row count and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (survey), Government Digital Service (platform).

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving mapping and soil sampling, following the official ALC grading methodology.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collected between 1989 and 1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

Akebar, Wensleydale, England