ALCR25794: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey for East Wittering

Post‑1988 Agricultural Land Classification survey data for the East Wittering, Bennetts Close site includes scanned original paper maps and reports. The data was collected between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, using a grading methodology that subdivides Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b. 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 variability using the unedited sample point data and soil pit descriptions.
• Integrate historical land classification maps into modern GIS systems for land-use planning.
• Compare land quality subgrades (3a vs. 3b) for specific agricultural development or conservation projects.

Strengths

• Data is based on a formal, documented grading methodology ('Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales').
• Includes original scanned maps and reports, preserving historical survey detail.
• Some surveys contain additional unedited 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 and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (UK), via Natural England and the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys with mapping at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Time Range

1989-1999

Freshness

Data collection occurred between 1989 and 1999; last update is unknown.

Geography

East Wittering, Bennetts Close (Chichester LP Site H9), England.