ALCR08195: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports (1989-1999)

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for the Whitstable, Knolebrook Farm West, Chestfield site. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports produced by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food between 1989 and 1999, using the grading methodology from 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales'. Some surveys also contain unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and subgrades for Grade 3 land using the available soil pit descriptions and point data.
• Map historical land quality for specific sites based on the scanned survey maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.
• Compare land classification over time for areas surveyed in detail between 1989 and 1999.

Strengths

• Uses the established grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' document.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b for more detailed analysis.
• Contains original survey materials such as scanned maps and reports, providing primary source data.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (survey), Natural England and Ordnance Survey (copyright).

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys with soil analysis, mapping, and reporting.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection occurred between 1989 and 1999; update status for the digital release is unknown.

Geography

Whitstable, Knolebrook Farm West, Chestfield (Canterbury LP WHT 19), England.