ALCL08291: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey for Newcastle, 1989-1999

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification survey data for the Newcastle, North Walbottle area includes scanned original paper maps and reports. Surveys were conducted in detail between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, using a methodology that subdivides Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b. Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some of these surveys.

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 pit descriptions.
• Map historical land quality for planning and development studies based on the scanned original maps.
• Compare land classification over time for a specific geographic area using the site-specific survey data.

Strengths

• Includes original scanned maps and reports, preserving primary survey detail.
• Surveys use a consistent grading methodology that subdivides Grade 3 land.
• Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Maps were created at varying scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, which may affect consistency.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted by MAFF, with results recorded on paper maps and in reports.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection occurred between 1989 and 1999; last update is unknown.

Geography

Newcastle, North Walbottle (Western Development Area), England