Whiteley Agricultural Land Classification Survey: Scanned Maps and Reports 1989-1999

Natural England provides the Whiteley, North of Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data. The dataset consists of scanned original paper maps and survey reports for sites graded between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It includes detailed land grading from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000 scales, with some surveys containing unedited soil point data and pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze historical land quality changes using the time-bounded survey data from 1989 to 1999.
• Integrate soil pit descriptions and point data for localized soil property modeling where available.
• Digitize and vectorize historical land classification boundaries from the scanned paper maps.

Strengths

• Data is based on a formal grading methodology described in the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' document.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b for finer granularity.
• Surveys were conducted at detailed scales ranging from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Limitations

• Row count, column names, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data is derived from scanned paper maps, which may require digitization for modern GIS use.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Natural England.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys with soil analysis, mapped onto paper plans.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Survey data is from 1989-1999; update recency is unknown.

Geography

Whiteley, North of (specific region in England)