Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCR11195

Scanned original paper maps and survey reports for the Bexhill north site from the Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) program. The data was collected between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, using a grading methodology that subdivides Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b. For some surveys, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also included.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and variability using the unedited sample point soils data and pit descriptions.
• Map historical land quality for planning and development assessments based on the scanned geospatial survey maps.
• Study changes in land classification over time by comparing this survey with earlier or later datasets.

Strengths

• Data follows a defined national grading methodology for agricultural land classification.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into more detailed subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Some surveys contain raw, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

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 (MAFF), provided by Natural England and the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil analysis and mapping, with results recorded on paper maps and reports.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection period is 1989-1999; current update status is unknown.

Geography

Bexhill north (Rother LP Site E5), England