A predictive model has been established and tested to account for variations in the landscape to reflect changes in agricultural land capability class (on a progressive rating of 1: good - 7: poor). This dataset (and map) provides a prediction of the most likely land capability class to be expected in a particular location based on several layers of readily available information. These layers included geology, rainfall, slope, elevation, forest cover and surface drainage status. These data layers were input into a Geographic Information System modelling framework. Using previous experience and limited visits in the field, the output has been produced as a digital dataset and 1: 100,000 map. It was found to provide a relatively good impression of the landscapes potential for agricultural persuits (ie cropping and grazing). It was found to represent changes in capability class very well where geology, climate or slope control capability. In those areas where subsurface drainage controlled land capability it was found to be less reliable. Overall however as these areas of the State were previously devoid of any broadscale land resource information for this purpose - this map provides a valuable fist step in discerning land capability.

A predictive model has been established and tested to account for variations in the landscape to reflect changes in agricultural land capability class (on a progressive rating of 1: good - 7: poor). This dataset (and map) provides a prediction of the most likely land capability class to be expected in a particular location based on several layers of readily available information. These layers included geology, rainfall, slope, elevation, forest cover and surface drainage status. These data layers were input into a Geographic Information System modelling framework. Using previous experience and limited visits in the field, the output has been produced as a digital dataset and 1: 100,000 map. It was found to provide a relatively good impression of the landscapes potential for agricultural persuits (ie cropping and grazing). It was found to represent changes in capability class very well where geology, climate or slope control capability. In those areas where subsurface drainage controlled land capability it was found to be less reliable. Overall however as these areas of the State were previously devoid of any broadscale land resource information for this purpose - this map provides a valuable fist step in discerning land capability.

A predictive model has been established and tested to account for variations in the landscape to reflect changes in agricultural land capability class (on a progressive rating of 1: good - 7: poor). This dataset (and map) provides a prediction of the most likely land capability class to be expected in a particular location based on several layers of readily available information. These layers included geology, rainfall, slope, elevation, forest cover and surface drainage status. These data layers were input into a Geographic Information System modelling framework. Using previous experience and limited visits in the field, the output has been produced as a digital dataset and 1: 100,000 map. It was found to provide a relatively good impression of the landscapes potential for agricultural persuits (ie cropping and grazing). It was found to represent changes in capability class very well where geology, climate or slope control capability. In those areas where subsurface drainage controlled land capability it was found to be less reliable. Overall however as these areas of the State were previously devoid of any broadscale land resource information for this purpose - this map provides a valuable fist step in discerning land capability.

A predictive model has been established and tested to account for variations in the landscape to reflect changes in agricultural land capability class (on a progressive rating of 1: good - 7: poor). This dataset (and map) provides a prediction of the most likely land capability class to be expected in a particular location based on several layers of readily available information. These layers included geology, rainfall, slope, elevation, forest cover and surface drainage status. These data layers were input into a Geographic Information System modelling framework. Using previous experience and limited visits in the field, the output has been produced as a digital dataset and 1: 100,000 map. It was found to provide a relatively good impression of the landscapes potential for agricultural persuits (ie cropping and grazing). It was found to represent changes in capability class very well where geology, climate or slope control capability. In those areas where subsurface drainage controlled land capability it was found to be less reliable. Overall however as these areas of the State were previously devoid of any broadscale land resource information for this purpose - this map provides a valuable fist step in discerning land capability.

The Meander land capability map covers the area delineated by the Meander 1:100 000 topographic map sheet in the Northern region of Tasmania. Land Capability attributes recorded include Land Capability Class and Sub Class information as per the revised Tasmanian Land Capability Handbook by Grose (1999) A written explanatory report is associated with this map, and is referred to as Noble K. E. 1993, Land Capability Survey of Tasmania. Meander Report. It also incorporates a paper copy of the Pipers map.

The Forth land capability map covers the area delineated by the Forth 1:100 000 topographic map sheet in the Northern region of Tasmania. Land Capability attributes recorded include Land Capability Class and Sub Class information as per the revised Tasmanian Land Capability Handbook by Grose (1999) A written explanatory report is associated with this map, and is referred to as Moreton R.M and Grose C.J. (1997), Land Capability Survey of Tasmania. Forth Report. Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, Tasmania, Australia It also incorporates a paper copy of the Pipers map.

Land capability classification is an internationally accepted method of ranking the ability of the land to support a range of broadacre agricultural activities on a sustainable basis. In Tasmania the system comprises seven classes ranked in order of agricutltural veratility. Class 1 land is the best and Class 7 the poorest. Classification requires the synthesis and land information including soils, topography and climatic data. DPIWE undertook two approaches to mapping. The first involved intensive field investigations and focussed on parts of the State most likely to include better quality land. Remaining areas were mapped using a computer modelling approach. The classification has been undertaken only for private freehold or leased Crown land and the results are published as 1:100 000 scale maps with, for the field mapped areas, accompanying reports. The maps are useful for State and regional planning though the system can be used at more detailed scales appropriate to local or even farm planning to support informed decision making.

The Pipers land capability map covers the area delineated by the Pipers 1:100 000 topographic map sheet in the Northern region of Tasmania. Land Capability attributes recorded include Land Capability Class and Sub Class information as per the revised Tasmanian Land Capability Handbook by Grose (1999) A written explanatory report is associated with this map, and is referred to as Noble K. E. 1991, Land Capability Survey of Tasmania. Pipers Report. Department of Primary Industry, Tasmania, Australia. It also incorporates a paper copy of the Pipers map.

The Nugent land capability map covers the area delineated by the Nugent 1:100 000 topographic map sheet in the Southern region of Tasmania. Land Capability attributes recorded include Land Capability Class and Sub Class information as per the revised Tasmanian Land Capability Handbook by Grose (1999) A written explanatory report is associated with this map, and is referred to as DeRose R.C. and Todd D.J. (2001), Land Capability Survey of Tasmania. Nugent Report. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania, Australia. It also incorporates a paper copy of the Nugent map.

The Inglis land capability map covers the area delineated by the Inglis 1:100 000 topographic map sheet in the Northern region of Tasmania. Land Capability attributes recorded include Land Capability Class and Sub Class information as per the revised Tasmanian Land Capability Handbook by Grose (1999) A written explanatory report is associated with this map, and is referred to as Moreton, R.M.. 1999, Land Capability Survey of Tasmania. Inglis Report. Department of Primary Industry, Tasmania, Australia. It also incorporates a paper copy of the Pipers map.