1
Resolve the location
A postcode is converted to a public centroid. Coordinates are used directly. The page states which input type was used for the lookup.
Public Data for Smarter Land Decisions
Search an England postcode or coordinates and see clear public-data context for land capability, soil, water, biodiversity, carbon and data confidence.
Location intelligence
Check what public datasets can say about a location.
Postcode searches use public postcode centroids. Boundary-based scoring will be more precise for field-level assessments.
Analysing location
Resolving location and checking public datasets...
Typically a few seconds
Method
How the score is calculated
Each result is evidence-led: source class, score, confidence and limitations are shown together.
2
Intersect public layers
The location is checked against active public spatial datasets. Today, Land Capability is derived from Natural England provisional Agricultural Land Classification.
3
Normalise and explain
Source classes are converted to transparent score bands, while confidence and warnings explain how far the result should be trusted.
Score guide
Understanding the ranges
Scores use a 0–100 scale where higher normally means more favourable context for that specific factor.
Land Capability /100
90–100Excellent agricultural capability, typically ALC Grade 1.
80–89Very good capability, typically ALC Grade 2.
60–79Good to moderate capability, including Grade 3 or subgrades where available.
25–59Lower agricultural capability, typically Grades 4–5.
Data Confidence
AHigh confidence: field boundary or strong spatial match with loaded layers.
BModerate confidence: coordinate point with known location limitations.
CContext only: postcode centroid or limited supporting layers. Useful for screening, not final assessment.
Public datasetsEvidence-ledScreening context
How it works
From postcode to evidence
Location
SoilScore identifies the point represented by your postcode or coordinates and labels the input method in the result.
Datasets
Only active public source layers contribute to scores. Unavailable means no suitable active source is currently used for that card.
Interpretation
Scores provide screening context for land decisions. They do not replace site visits, professional advice or laboratory testing.