ALCR10292: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports, 1989-1999

Original paper maps and survey reports for detailed agricultural land classification in England and Wales, surveyed between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The data includes scanned maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, survey reports, and for some sites, unedited soil sample point data and pit descriptions. It is provided by Natural England and contains Ordnance Survey data.

Use Cases

• Analyze historical agricultural land quality based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Map land capability subgrades for Grade 3 agricultural land based on the subdivision into 3a and 3b.
• Correlate soil pit descriptions and sample point data with land classification grades for specific survey sites.
• Study changes in land classification over a defined period using surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999.

Strengths

• Data is based on a defined and referenced grading methodology ('Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales').
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into more detailed subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Some surveys are supplemented with unedited soil sample point data and detailed pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Maps were created at varying scales (1:5,000 to 1:50,000), indicating potential inconsistency in detail.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys producing original paper maps and reports, later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection period is 1989-1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

Specific sites in England and Wales, including the 'Cuckfield, High Street (Haywards Heath)' site.