Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCL09392

Normanton Bypass survey data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's detailed Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) program. The collection includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports for sites graded between 1989 and 1999, using the 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

• Historical land capability analysis based on the detailed Agricultural Land Classification grades.
• Soil quality mapping based on the unedited sample point soils data and pit descriptions.
• Land use change studies based on the scanned original maps and survey reports.
• Validating modern land classification models based on the historical grading methodology.

Strengths

• Uses the official grading methodology described in 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales'.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b for more granular analysis.
• Contains original scanned maps and reports, preserving historical survey detail.

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 (MAFF), via Natural England and the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil mapping and classification.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection period is 1989-1999; update frequency is unknown.

Geography

England and Wales (specific site: Normanton Bypass)