ALCR01296: Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification Survey for Rainham, Spring Farm
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Description
Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) detailed survey data for the Rainham, Spring Farm site, produced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports from detailed 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 quality based on the official ALC grading methodology described in the survey reports.
Analyzing historical land use changes based on scanned survey maps from the 1989-1999 period.
Modeling soil characteristics for specific sites using the unedited sample point soils data and pit descriptions.
Comparing land grading detail across scales, as maps range from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.
Strengths
Uses the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' grading methodology, providing a standardized framework.
Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, offering finer detail for moderate quality land.
Contains original scanned maps and reports, preserving the primary survey record.
Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions for raw soil analysis.
Limitations
Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
Row count and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
Provenance
Source
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), via Natural England and the Government Digital Service.
Collection Method
Detailed site surveys involving soil analysis and mapping, conducted by government surveyors.