Agricultural Land Classification Survey for Milton Keynes, 1989-1999

Original paper maps and reports from detailed site surveys conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food between 1989 and 1999. The data classifies agricultural land quality, subdividing Grade 3 into 3a and 3b, using the methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines. Scanned maps range in scale from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, and some surveys include unedited soil sample point data and pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Modeling historical land quality for agricultural policy analysis based on the detailed land classification grades.
• Assessing soil characteristics for land development planning using the available soil pit descriptions and sample point data.
• Integrating historical land use data with modern GIS layers based on the scanned georeferenced maps.
• Studying the subdivision of Grade 3 agricultural land into subgrades 3a and 3b for crop suitability research.

Strengths

• Surveys use a defined national methodology described in the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.
• Includes scanned original maps at detailed scales, typically 1:10,000, ranging from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.
• For some surveys, provides raw, unedited soil sample point data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count, file formats, and column-level documentation are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data is specific to sites surveyed between 1989 and 1999 and may reflect the geographic bias of the Milton Keynes, Wavendon area.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil analysis and mapping, following the national Agricultural Land Classification methodology.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

null

Geography

Milton Keynes, Wavendon (Milton Keynes LP PDA 4 (south)), England