Hassocks Agricultural Land Classification Survey with Soil Data, 1989-1999
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Description
Natural England's Hassocks, Friars Oak Farm survey provides detailed Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) data collected between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps, survey reports, and for some surveys, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions. Maps were produced at scales ranging from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, with Grade 3 land subdivided into subgrades 3a and 3b.
Use Cases
Analyzing historical land quality for planning decisions based on the detailed Agricultural Land Classification grades.
Studying soil characteristics and variability for a specific site based on the available soil pit descriptions and sample point data.
Mapping land capability at a local scale using the georeferenced survey maps produced between 1:5,000 and 1:10,000.
Comparing land grading methodologies by referencing the survey's use of the current grading system described in the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.
Strengths
Provides detailed subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, offering finer granularity for analysis.
Includes multiple data types: scanned maps, survey reports, and for some surveys, raw soil point data and descriptions.
Surveys were conducted using a standardized national grading methodology, ensuring consistency with official guidelines.
Limitations
Row count and column-level documentation are absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
Last update date is unknown; data is historical (1989-1999) and freshness unverified.
The scale and level of detail of maps vary from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, which may affect spatial analysis consistency.
Provenance
Source
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (survey), Natural England (copyright holder).
Collection Method
Detailed site surveys conducted by government surveyors, with data including scanned original paper maps and reports.
Time Range
1989 to 1999
Freshness
Data collection period is 1989-1999; last update date is unknown.
Geography
Hassocks, Friars Oak Farm, England (specific site survey).