ALCR08095: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports, 1989-1999

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for individual sites in England and Wales, collected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food between 1989 and 1999. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports, with some surveys providing unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions. It is published by the Government Digital Service and contains Natural England and Ordnance Survey copyright.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil composition and characteristics based on the available unedited sample point soils data.
• Map historical land quality changes using the geospatial survey data collected between 1989 and 1999.
• Compare land subgrade classifications (e.g., 3a vs. 3b) as mapped in the original survey documents.

Strengths

• Data collection spans a defined 10-year period from 1989 to 1999.
• Surveys use a specific, documented grading methodology ('Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales').
• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b for more detailed analysis.
• Some surveys contain additional unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Maps were created at varying scales (1:5,000 to 1:50,000), which may affect spatial consistency.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys with scanned original paper maps and reports.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

null

Geography

Individual survey sites in England and Wales, including Whitstable, Knolebrook Farm East, Chestfield.