11.
T32
1935
THE RURAL LAND CLASSIFICATION PROGRAM
A Summary of Techniques and Uses
►
Land Classification Section
Division of Land Planning and Housing
Tennessee Valley Authority
December, 1935

cd in depon
CONFIDENTIAL NOT FOR PUBLICATION
Affic
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
GENERAL LIBRARY
THE RURAL LAND CLASSIFICATION PROGRAM
A Summary of Techniques and Uses
Submitted by
G. Donald Hudson, Chief
Land Classification Section
Division of Land Planning and Housing
Tennessee Valley Authority
December, 1935
CONFIDENT IAL NOT FOR PUBLICATION
THE RURAL LAND CLASSIFICATION PROGRAM
A Summary of Techniques and Uses
Submitted by
G. Donald Hudson, Chief
Land Classification Section
Division of Land Planning and Housing
Tennessee Valley Authority
December, 1935
CONFIDENTIAL
·
NOT FOR PUBLICATION
HD
111
T32.
1935
gen.
Lib.
3-2-36.
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
Office MEMORANDUM
To:
Mr. E. S. Draper, Director, Land Planning & Housing Division
From: G. Donald Hudson, Chief, Land Classification Section
Date:
November 26, 1935
Subject: TRANSMITTAL OF BULLETIN: "THE RURAL LAND CLASSIFICATION PROGRAM"
One of the objectives the Land Classification Section has worked toward
in the detailed field analyses in the Upper Tennessee Valley and in the
Pickwick and Hiwassee areas is the development of relatively rapid quan-
titative field techniques which would provide data comparable to, but
less detailed than, the data these studies provided. Specific work on
the problem of developing these field techniques began in March, 1935.
By the following July experimental work had been carried far enough to
permit their actual use on a valley-wide basis. An area of approximately
6,000 square miles has been covered to date. We are now in a position
therefore, to make a relatively definite statement concerning the work.
لا
The Rural Land Classification Program, the program on which these rela-
tively rapid field techniques are being applied, produces a classifica-
tion of land in the Tennessee Valley into five categories on the basis
of those economic conditions of the people and physical conditions of
the land that can be observed in the field. In addition to this rela-
tively simple and generalized classification, the more significant sub-
stantiating data are being recorded. In this fashion we are gradually
building up for the Basin a quantitative portrayal of the distribution
of the five major classes of land and a quantitative portrayal of a con-
siderable body of supporting information. The first will be of major
significance in the broader aspects of land planning; the second, be-
cause it provides information concerning erosion conditions, slope con-
ditions, types of farming, quality of farmsteads and equipment, and sim-
ilar items, will provide relatively detailed understandings that are
significant in the refinements of a broad land plan. All of these field
data are recorded on multiple-lens aerial mosaics at a scale of 1 inch
to 2,000 feet, For study purposes these mosaics are reduced to a scale
of 1 inch to 2 miles and colored to bring out the distributions of phe-
nomena, either individually or in combinations.
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Requests for a description of the Rural Land Classification Program have
come from sources within the Tennessee Valley Authority and from Federal,
State, and private agencies. In part to comply with these requests and
in part to inform others who might find use for our land classification
materials or for the methods we are employing, I am submitting herewith
a brief description of the five major classes of land delimited, a de-
scription of the techniques used, and a statement of possible contribu-
tions and applications of the materials and techniques to certain plan-
ning problems. Supplementary materials are included in an Appendix to
the bulletin.
G. Donald Hudson dor
·
G. Donald Hudson
THE RURAL LAND CLASSIFICATION PROGRAM
Table of Contents
Page
Section One: The Nature of the Program
. 1
Section Two: The Major Land Classes.
2
Section Three: The Techniques Employed
4
Section Four: Possible Contributions and Applications.
9
*
*
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Appendix C.
•
•
16
18
19
Appendix D...
20
Appendix E.
21
Appendix F. .
22
Appendix G.
29
THE RURAL LAND CLASSIFICATION PROGRAM
A Summary of Techniques and Uses
Land Classification Section
Division of Land Planning and Housing
Tennessee Valley Authority
December, 1935
"It is suggested that every unit of land in the United States
should be inventoried as to its physical characteristics and best uses.
The Mississippi Valley Committee
Section One: The Nature of the Program
.
Land planning is primarily concerned with the physical as contrasted
with the social aspects of regional planning. Land planning, accordingly,
seeks its basis in actuality--actual land uses, actual land conditions,
and actual land resources. The portrayal of this actuality is, then,
of first moment to land planning. The Land Classification Program here
presented is an attempt to perform this task within the Tennessee Valley
insofar as field observations permit.
The results of the Land Classification Program can be summarized
in general terms as a quantitative portrayal of the significant elements
of the rural occupancy pattern of the Valley. This involves the use of
a technique which admits a composite portrayal of various elements observ-
able in the field--such elements as are represented individually by
topographic data, soil data, certain kinds of social and economic data,
and the like. Involved, also, in a portrayal of land occupancy is the
necessity of segregating the land into general classes on the basis of
well-defined criteria in order to make the collected data workable in terms
of land planning.
-2-
The discussion of the Land Classification Program is treated in
three sections. The first section defines the five major land classes
delimited by the Program; the second describes the field techniques em-
ployed in recognizing and delimiting these classes; and the third suggests
possible contributions and applications of the results of the Program.
Supplementary materials are to be found in the appendix.
Section Two: The Major Land Classes
Five major land classes are recognized and delimited by the Land
Classification Section (Appendices A to E). The classes, their character-
istics, and the classification indices are¹.
CLASS I Units in which no significant agricultural problems
are apparent. These units are characterized by an excellent
standard of living and by land that is exceptionally well
suited for both general and specialized types of agriculture.
The first is indicated by the following indices, appearing
individually or in combination: 2 (1) medium and/or large un-
interrupted fields; (2) fields free from weedy and/or brushy
covers; (3) little or no idle land; (4) excellent farmsteads
and farm equipment; and (5) other evidence of an excellent
standard of living. The second is indicated by the following
indices, appearing individually or in combination: (1) rela-
tively level or moderately undulating surface; (2) adequate
or thorough drainage; (3) little or no observable erosion;
(4) deep stone-free soil of exceptional fertility; and (5) lit-
tle or no rock exposure.


CLASS II Units in which the apparent agricultural problems
are not critical. These problems, in most cases, can be solved
readily by programs of education and demonstration. These units
are characterized by a good standard of living and by land that
1The minimum unit delimited and characterized for each Class is 200 acres.
The definitions appearing here were formulated on the basis of work done
in the Upper Tennessee Valley. As the work progresses into new areas,
these definitions are being recast to include conditions typical of the
new areas, the object being to develop a classification based on valley-
wide conditions. To December 1, 1935, 2560 square miles have been cov-
ered in the Upper Tennessee Valley and 1880 square miles immediately
east of Florence, Alabama.
2 For
complete definitions of these items see Appendix F.
-3-
is well suited for both general and specialized types of agri-
culture. The first is indicated by the following indices,
appearing individually or in combination: (1) medium and/or
large uninterrupted fields; (2) fields free from weedy or
brushy covers; (3) little or no idle land; (4) good farmsteads
and farm equipment; and (5) other evidence of a good standard
of living. The second is indicated by the following indices,
appearing individually or in combination: (1) relatively level
to undulating surface; (2) adequate or thorough drainage;
(3) little denudation by erosion; (4) deep fertile soils, free
from stone; and (5) limited rock exposure.

-
CLASS III Units in which agricultural problems are moderately
critical. These problems, in most cases, can be solved by in-
tensive programs of education and demonstration. These units
are characterized by a medium standard of living and by land
that can be used for general and for special crops under proper
management. The first is indicated by the following indices,
appearing individually or in combination: (1) small and/or
medium uninterrupted fields; (2) limited weedy or brushy covers;
(3) considerable idle land; (4) medium quality farmsteads and
farm equipment; and (5) other evidence of a medium quality
standard of living. The second is indicated by the following
indices, appearing individually or in combination: (1) undulating
to moderately hilly surface; (2) adequate or thorough drainage;
(3) denudation by sheet erosion or moderate gullying to a stage
to which erosion control is economically feasible; (4) soils of
moderate fertility and stoniness; and (5) limited rock exposure.
CLASS IV Units in which agricultural problems are very critical.
Some of these problems may be solved through intensive programs
of education and demonstration, but most of them will require a
marked readjustment and/or a reorientation of economic activities.
These units are characterized by a moderately low standard of
living and by land which is for the most part unsuited for
cultivated crops. The first is indicated by the following indices,
appearing individually or in combination: (1) small and/or
interrupted fields; (2) heavy weedy or brushy covers; (3) consider-
able idle land; (4) poor farmsteads and farm equipment; and (5) other
evidence of a moderately low standard of living. The second is
indicated by the following indices, appearing individually or in
combination; (1) hilly surface; (2) poor or excessive drainage;
(3) denudation by sheet or gully erosion to a depth that renders
cultivation difficult and to a stage that further tillage would
result in deterioration beyond the point of economically feasible
rehabilitation for agricultural purposes; (4) shallow or stony
soils, low in fertility; and (5) considerable rock exposure.

CLASS V Units that, in most cases, are suitable only for forest
use. Some areas may prove of value for recreation purposes,
game preserves, etc.; some might be truly waste land. These units
are characterized by a very low standard of living and land
that is virtually in all cases unsuitable for agriculture. The

-4-
first is indicated by the following indices, appearing individually
or in combination: (1) very small and/or interrupted fields;
(2) sparse weedy or brushy field covers; (3) excessive amounts
of idle land; (4) very poor farmsteads and farm equipment;
and (5) other evidence of a very low standard of living. The
second is indicated by the following indices, appearing
individually or in combination: (1) steep slopes; (2) very
poor or excessive drainage; (3) denudation by sheet or gully
erosion beyond the point of cultivation and economically
feasible rehabilitation other than by reforestation; (4) shallow
or stony soils, very low in fertility; and (5) excessive rock
exposure.
Section Three: The Techniques Employed
The field techniques employed in the Land Classification Program
are essentially those evolved by geographers in intensive studies over a
period of two decades. However, the Land Classification Section made a
new and important contribution to these techniques. This contribution
arose from practical necessity. The studies of geographers have been
directed toward a detailed, quantitative portrayal of the occupancy
pattern. An outgrowth of these studies was the fractional-code method
of field investigation that the Land Classification Section uses with
adaptations in its detailed work (Appendix G). The Land Classification
section recognized, however, that this technique, as applied, while
admirable in its results, was too slow in achieving those results on
the scale that was required in the Land Classification Program. The
problem was thus to retain, as much as possible, the quantitative element
of this technique and, at the same time, assure more rapid aerial cover-
age.
The solution of this problem was found in the following manner.
The Program of the Land Classification Section included detailed field
analyses of an aggregate of 550 square miles in three widely separated and
distinct parts of the Tennessee Basin. In these studies the fractional-
:
-5-
ا
code method was combined for the first time on a large scale with the use
of multiple-lens aerial mosaics as base maps. Then, using these studies
as background material and experience, the Land Classification Section
was able to arrive at a variation in technique that led to greater
rapidity and coverage without the loss of essential detail and accuracy.
Instead of using aerial mosaics to the scale of 1 inch to 1,000 feet for
base maps, as was done in the detail work, aerial mosaics with the scale
of 1 inch to 2,000 feet were adopted (Figure 1). This continued use of
aerial mosaics insured complete and accurate coverage. But the sigrifi-
cant variation in technique from the viewpoint of time economy was the
increase in the minimum unit of land to be recognized and mapped. In the
detailed field analyses the minimum unit recognized and mapped is
roughly two acres. Under the new technique applied in the Land Classifi-
cation Program, land units of a minimum of 200 acres are recognized and
mapped.1 The relative rapidity of the unit area method as compared to
detailed field analyses is indicated by the fact that roughly 20 square
miles can be covered per man-day as compared to 300 to 400 acres and at
a cost for complete mosaics of roughly $1.00 per square mile as compared
to roughly $20 per square mile.
The procedure followed by the field men in the land classification
work begins with a detailed analysis and characterization of each unit of
1There are two primary requisites to the successful and reliable applica-
tion of the techniques described, namely, (1) aerial mosaics, preferably
single lens, and (2) trained and experienced field men.
The field men
must have had at least one year of graduate training in geography, includ-
ing detailed field mapping, and from two to four months of closely
supervised detailed field mapping of the sort carried on by the Land
Classification Section. Before applying land classification techniques
independently, field men must have from six to eight weeks' work under
the rigid direction of an experienced supervisor.
"
-6-
land on the basis of observable phenomena and according to the specific
set of criteria established for the study. The physical conditions of
the land are noted on the mosaics in the denominator of a long fraction
(Appendix E). The economic and land use conditions are noted in the
numerator of the fraction (Appendix D). The next step consists of a sum-
marization of the long fraction. The physical conditions of the land are
summarized on the mosaics in the denominator of a short fraction to denote
the general agricultural quality of each unit (Appendix C), and the
economic and land use conditions are summarized in the numerator of the
fraction to denote the general quality of the present economic and land
use conditions (Appendix B). The final classification of the land into
five major classes represents a summary of the short fraction, together
with any other pertinent data not sufficiently common to all similar
units to be specifically recorded in the long fraction. These five major
classes are noted on the mosaics in the form of Roman numerals from I to
V (Appendix A).
Data drawn from the Land Classification Program will appear in the
form of maps and tables (Figures 1 and 2) From these materials it will
1
lField data will appear on two sets of maps as follows:
1.
2.
A series of aerial mosaics, scale 1 inch equals 2,000 feet, on
which are plotted all of the data obtained in the field (Fig. 1).
(Field data: (a) boundaries of units, unbroken black line;
(b) fractional notations; and (c) all-weather roads, broken
black line.) These mosaics will be retained in the files, being
available only for special uses.
Reductions of (1) above to a scale 1 inch equals 2 miles (Figs.
2 and 3). These reductions will be available for circulation as
requested. The distributions of individual items or combinations
of items can be brought out by the use of transparent photographic
colors applied directly on the prints. If necessary for special
studies, reproductions can be made at other scales, for example,
1 inch equal 1 mile (Fig. 4).
-7-
be possible to determine the quantity and distribution of the five major
classes of land (Figures 1, 2, and 3). In addition, there can be pro-
vided the quantity and distribution of any of the items, singly or in
combination, that are noted specifically in the short fraction or the long
fraction. These details will aid in the understanding of significant
factors underlying the five major classes and will indicate some of the
specific lines the program of land planning should or might take. Only
in rare instances can the Land Classification materials and the understand-
ings they make possible be used as the sole basis for the treatment of
practical problems confronting the Authority. Their full value will be
realized only when they are used in conjunction with planimetric maps,
population maps, topographic maps, soil maps, and similar materials, and
in conjunction with a careful analysis of trends in land uses,
ditions, and social and economic developments.
Section Four:
Possible Contributions and Applications
land con-
The complexities of planning problems, the fact that certain phases
of the Authority's work have not been fully formulated, and the fact that
many basic data concerning the basin are still lacking make it impossible
to present or discuss all of the contributions of the Land Classification
Program in great detail or with any degree of finality. For this reason
the problems listed below and the contributions the Program makes to their
solution are presented more in the form of suggestions for further con-
sideration and experimentation than as final tested applications. No
attempt has been made in the presentation of these problems and contri-
butions to indicate the corollary data essential to the full use of land
classification materials.
-8-
The major contributions of the Land Classification Program fall into
four generalized categories, as follows: (1) in connection with the
specific developmental program of the Authority, it can aid in the solu-
tion of such practical and immediate problems as the evaluation of one
reservoir site as contrasted to another; (2) with respect to the regional
development program--planning programs, demonstrations, and experimenta-
tions provided for in Sections 22 and 23 of the Tennessee Valley Authority
Act--it can furnish data essential to the solution of such problems as
the location of land that should be put in public ownership; (3) it can
furnish information that is helpful to local, State, and Federal agencies
in such problems as employment relief, highway construction, and public
works; and (4) it can make available information that will be helpful to
private commercial and manufactural organizations in terms of site
locations, markets, and the like. The contributions of the Land Classi-
fication Program are treated specifically in the following paragraphs
according to these four categories:
I. Problems growing out of the specific developmental program of the
Authority.
A.
Problems pertaining to the construction of dams, the purchase
of land for reservoir and reservoir protection areas, and the
aiding of the resettlement and/or reemployment of the population
displaced by land purchase.
1.
It is believed that the Program will aid in the evaluation
of proposed projects in three major respects, namely,
&•
c.
By measuring the amounts and qualities of land to be
retired.
By discovering the location and extent of suitable
resettlement areas adjacent to purchased land.
By discovering erosion conditions in reservoir
drainage areas.
2
B.
-9-
2. By locating and appraising the character and the extent
of erosion areas within reservoir drainage basins, the
Program will reveal, among other things,
3.
a.
Areas in which erosion control must be inaugurated
to protect proposed projects from damage by siltation.
b. The extent and nature of the erosion problem.
c.
The types of erosion control that might be put into
effect.
By measuring the amounts and qualities of agricultural
land adjacent to proposed projects, the Program will help
to determine, for example, the advisability of building
for construction personnel a permanent town with necessary
agricultural hinterland as contrasted to temporary accom-
modations.
Problems pertaining to the construction of trunk power lines and
rural electrification systems.
1. The Program will aid in the laying out of the most effective
trunk power lines primarily by
2.
3
4.
a. Indicating the more prosperous agricultural areas.
Indicating the rural areas that represent the largest
potential markets for electricity.
By indicating the agricultural potentialities of county units
and/or regional areas, the Program will apparently help to.
evaluate the economic feasibility of proposed electrification
programs.
The Program will reveal the agricultural potentialities of
contiguous counties and parts of counties, thus helping to
determine the more effective integrated grids for county
and/or regional electrification programs.
By indicating the agricultural potentialities of counties
or groups of counties, the Program will aid in the laying
out of a network of rural electric lines which, with the
shortest line length, will serve the largest potential markets.
C. Problems pertaining to the selection of farms for demonstrating
the use of legumes and TVA superphosphate fertilizer.
1.
The Program will aid in the selection of representative
demonstration farms by locating areas largely homogeneous
in terms of land uses and land conditions, and, therefore,
in terms of farm problems.
-10-
D.
2. By delimiting areas that are largely homogeneous in terms
of land uses and land conditions, the Program will indi-
cate where educational measures concerned with farm
management might be inaugurated.
Problems pertaining to the Federal-State-TVA program of soil
surveys.
1. The Program will help in the determination of counties that
are typical in terms of land uses and conditions and thus,
it is believed, will help to indicate which counties for
the immediate future can be used as samples of groups of
counties in the soil survey program.
2.
By indicating the counties in which agricultural problems
are of an acute nature, the Program will apparently help to
determine which counties might be given soil survey priority.
E. Problems pertaining to erosion control by means of tractor-
terracing.
II.
F.
1.
လ
The Program will aid in the determination of areas where
tractor-terracing demonstrations might be made by helping
to indicate where erosion and slope conditions are such
that terracing is both desirable and feasible.
By indicating the extent of the areas in which tractor-
terracing is feasible, the Program will indicate those
counties in which tractor-terracing cooperatives might be
established.
Problems pertaining to erosion control by reforestation.
1.
2.
By indicating the extent and nature of erosion conditions,
the Program will help in the determination of areas in
which CCC camps might be established to carry on erosion-
control work.
The Program will help to locate areas which should probably
be annexed to present Federal forest and park lands by re-
vealing the location and extent of sub-marginal agricultural
land, areas characterized by advanced stages of erosion and
areas that are in other ways best suited to forest and/or
park purposes.
Problems growing out of the regional development program provided
for in Sections 22 and 23 of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act.
A.
Problems pertaining to the delimitation, understanding, and
treatment of areas in the Basin characterized by maladjustments
in land uses.
Program will
The quantitative field data provided by the
-11-
1. Further delimit the problem areas in the Basin already
recognized, indicate others not now recognized, and help
to reveal the extent of types of problem areas.
2.
Render essential aid in understanding the nature of the
problems that occur and their significant underlying factors.
3. Help in the determination of the relative urgency of prob-
lems within each problem area.
4. Furnish material aid in the determination of remedial
measures that might be effective.
B. Problems pertaining to the delimitation, understanding, and treat-
ment of areas in the Basin characterized by over-population or
in need of population redistribution. The quantitative field
data provided by the Program will
1. Help to delimit areas in which the land might be rehabili-
tated and will indicate the means of rehabilitation that
might be employed.
22
Indicate areas in which present sources of income might be
supplemented and the sources from which supplementary in-
come might be realized.
3. Aid in the determination of areas in which a redistribution
of population might be advisable.
4.
Help to discover areas from which and to which population
might be encouraged to move.
C. Problems pertaining to the delimitation, understanding, and treat-
ment of areas in the Basin characterized by maladjustments in
transportational, commercial, and other services. The Program
will aid in the solution of such problems by
1. Aiding in the discovery of areas possessing a community of
interest growing out of common farm problems and practices.
2.
Helping to delimit areas that should have and are capable
of supporting additional highways, commercial enterprises.
and other services.
3. Pointing out where detailed corollary investigations should
be made with respect to problems of services.
D. Problems pertaining to the expansion of present industrial activi-
ties and the development of new industrial activities. The
Program will help to discover and appraise
1.
Areas where present population densities do not appear to be
supported on a satisfactory standard of living and where
supplementary incomes might prove effective as a remedial
measure.
-12-
III.
A.
2.
Areas where adequate crop and livestock products are now
available or where sufficiently large areas of suitable
land occur which can make these products available for
manufactural uses.
3. Areas where suitable supporting agricultural lands are
available for the local production of foodstuffs for an
expanding manufactural population.
Problems growing out of the functions of local, state, and federal·
governmental agencies.
B.
Problems pertaining to taxation. The quantitative field data
provided by the Program will aid in the formulation of measures
aimed at a sounder apportionment of taxes by
1.
2
Indicating the present varying ability of the land to sup-
port taxes as shown by the five major land classes.
Indicating the potential ability of the land to support
taxes as suggested by the physical possibilities for
bettering present land use practices.
Problems pertaining to the administration of local governmental
functions. The Program will furnish data concerning
1. Areas possessing common land and economic problems.
2.
The advisable readjustment of minor civil division and
county boundaries.
3. Proposals to combine separate political units into regional
units.
C. Problems pertaining to public works. The field data provided by
the Program lend material aid in the determination of
D.
1.
2
Areas in which such public works as highway, forest,
erosion-control, and drainage projects are needed.
The relative extent to which areas can make effective
use of such public works projects.
Problems pertaining to the activities of such Federal agencies
as the Rural Resettlement Administration, the Agricultural
Adjustment Administration, the National Resources Board, the
Forest Service, Bureau of Agricultural Economics, and the
Bureau of the Census (see foregoing statements of problems and
examples of applications of Land Classification materials).
IV. Problems of private manufactural and commercial concerns.
A.
Problems pertaining to the production of raw materials for
manufactural uses. (See II-D-2 above.)
1
-13-
B. Problems pertaining to the production of food stuffs for
manufactural populations. (See II-D-3 above.)
C.
Problems pertaining to the location of manufactural enter-
prises. (See II-D-1, 2, 3.)
D. Problems pertaining to the marketing functions of private
concerns. The Program aids in drafting sales policies to the
extent that it
1.
Determines the intensity and types of land use in the
trade area.
2. Suggests the relative buying power and needs of various
portions of the trade area.
The Land Classification Program does not, it may be reiterated, pro-
pose to answer all the above problems, or even to provide all the materials
necessary in the consideration of these problems. The Program con-
tributes more pertinently to some of the problems mentioned, less
pertinently to others. The range and diversity of the suggested applica-
tions of the Land Classification materials is due, not to mere fancy, but
to the very nature of the Land Classification work which is the composite
and quantitative depiction of the occupance pattern. This manifold
depiction permits manifold use. In the last analysis, howev
ver, the
objective of the Land Classification Program is to provide land planning
with a base of operation much like that provided the engineer through
contour and geologic maps and that provided the cost accountant through
expenditure records.

A14
3-IN233
33122123
-14-
3-2B
7412223
TAF212
II
211111
ONS VILL EK
55
4
CONTKEN
38233
4-4182234
I
2-ITAF 222
IN
1-1211111
5-6744
5-4132335
4.5N344
4-4132334
6
CO
2-1BT
2-212
ter
HOLSTON
4122324
FIG. I
SCALE: I INCH EQUALS 2000 FEET

-15-
Fig. 2. A half-tone reproduction of a portion
of a finished field mosaic reduced to one inch
equals two miles. Mosaics at this scale will
be available for circulation and study. Field
notes and landscape details, lost in this repro-
duction, are retained on the original photo-
graphic reduction.
Fig. 3. An attempt has been made here to show
how patterns can be brought out by the use of
colors. Opaque printing ink has obliterated
the data and pattern that are normally retained
on the mosaics by the use of transparent dyes.
Class I
dark blue
Class II light blue
Class III - blue-red
-
-
Class IV
Class V
Non-agri.
1
-
light red
dark red
uncolored
143
2234
Ⅲ
3-IN233
33122123
RGOWNSVILL
NTY
III
445
2234
W23
1-12101
21TAF 222
д
BTHS
2121115
38 239
4-4122234
HOLSTON
5N445
45N344
4-4132334
6.
#122324
Fig. 4. Figure 1 reduced to a scale of one inch equals one mile.
Reductions at this or other scales can be made for special studies.
Fig. 1 (Page 14). A portion of a completed field mosaic at actual scale, one inch to 2000 feet.
Much detail in field notes and landscape pattern have been lost in this half-tone reproduction.
-16-
APPENDIX A
The Five Classes of Land Classified on the Basis
of the Economic Status of the People and the
Physical Conditions of the Land
Noted on the Mosaics and Maps by Roman Numerals
CLASS I Units in which no significant agricultural problems are appar-
ent. These units are characterized by an excellent standard of living
and by land that is exceptionally well suited for both general and
specialized types of agriculture. The first is indicated by the following
indices, appearing individually or in combination: (1) medium and/or large
uninterrupted fields; (2) fields free from weedy and/or brushy covers;
(3) little or no idle land; (4) excellent farmsteads and farm equipment;
and (5) other evidence of an excellent standard of living. The second is
indicated by the following indices, appearing individually or in combina-
tion: (1) relatively level or moderately undulating surface; (2) adequate
or thorough drainage; (3) little or no observable erosion; (4) deep stone-
free soil of exceptional fertility; and (5) little or no rock exposure.
CLASS II Units in which the apparent agricultural problems are not
critical. These problems, in most cases, can be solved readily by pro-
grams of education and demonstration. These units are characterized by
a good standard of living and by land that is well suited for both gen-
eral and specialized types of agriculture. The first is indicated by the
following indices, appearing individually or in combination: (1) medium
and/or large uninterrupted fields; (2) fields free from weedy or brushy
covers; (3) little or no idle land; (4) good farmsteads and farm equip-
ment; and (5) other evidence of a good standard of living. The second
is indicated by the following indices, appearing individually or in com-
bination: (1) relatively level to undulating surface; (2) adequate or
thorough drainage; (3) little denudation by erosion; (4) deep fertile
soils, free from stone; and (5) limited rock exposure.



CLASS III - Units in which agricultural problems are moderately critical.
These problems, in most cases, can be solved by intensive programs of edu-
cation and demonstration. These units are characterized by a medium
1The minimum unit delimited and characterized for each Class is 200 acres.
The definitions appearing here were formulated on the basis of work done
in the Upper Tennessee Valley. As the work progresses into new areas
these definitions are being recast to include conditions typical of the
new areas, the object being to develop a classification based on valley-
wide conditions. To December 1, 1935, 2,560 square miles have been
covered in the Upper Tennessee Valley and 1,880 square miles immediately
east of Florence, Alabama.
悲
​-17-
The
standard of living and by land that can be used for general and for
special crops under proper management. The first is indicated by the
following indices, appearing individually or in combination: (1) small
and/or medium uninterrupted fields; (2) limited weedy or brushy covers;
(3) considerable idle land; (4) medium quality farmsteads and farm equip-
ment; and (5) other evidence of a medium quality standard of living.
second is indicated by the following indices, appearing individually or in
combination: (1) undulating to moderately hilly surface; (2) adequate or
thorough drainage; (3) denudation by sheet erosion or moderate gullying to
a stage to which erosion control is economically feasible; (4) soils of
moderate fertility and stoniness; and (5) limited rock exposure.

CLASS IV
200
Units in which agricultural problems are very critical. Some
of these problems may be solved through intensive programs of education
and demonstration, but most of them will require a marked readjustment
and/or a reorientation of economic activities. These units are character-
ized by a moderately low standard of living and by land which is for the
most part unsuited for cultivated crops. The first is indicated by the
following indices, appearing individually or in combination: (1) small
and/or interrupted fields; (2) heavy weedy or brushy covers; (3) consider-
able idle land; (4) poor farmsteads and farm equipment; and (5) other
evidence of a moderately low standard of living. The second is indicated
by the following indices, appearing individually or in combination: (1)
hilly surface; (2) poor or excessive drainage; (3) denudation by sheet or
gully erosion to a depth that renders cultivation difficult and to a stage
that further tillage would result in deterioration beyond the point of
economically feasible rehabilitation for agricultural purposes; (4) shallow
or stony soils, low in fertility; and (5) considerable rock exposure.
CLASS V - Units that, in most cases, are suitable only for forest use.
Some areas may prove of value for recreation purposes, game preserves,
etc.; some might be truly waste land. These units are characterized by
a very low standard of living and land that is virtually in all cases un-
suitable for agriculture. The first is indicated by the following indices,
appearing individually or in combination: (1) very small and/or inter-
rupted fields; (2) sparse weedy or brushy field covers; (3) excessive
amounts of idle land; (4) very poor farmsteads and farm equipment; and
(5) other evidence of a very low standard of living. The second is indi-
cated by the following indices, appearing individually or in combination:
(1) steep slopes; (2) very poor or excessive drainage; (3) denudation by
sheet or gully erosion beyond the point of cultivation and economically
feasible rehabilitation other than by reforestation; (4) shallow or stony
soils, very low in fertility; and (5) excessive rock exposure.

-18-
APPENDIX B
The Five Classes of Land Classified on the Basis of the
Quality of the Present Agricultural Use of the Land
Noted on the Mosaics and Maps by the
Numerator of the Short Fraction
Class 1. Units of 200 acres or more that are characterized by the
following use indices, appearing individually or in combination:
(1) medium and/or large uninterrupted fields; (2) fields free from weedy
or brushy covers; (3) little or no idle land; (4) excellent farmsteads
and farm equipment; and (5) any other evidence of an excellent standard
of living.

Class 2. Units of 200 acres or more that are characterized by the
following use indices, appearing individually or in combination:
(1) medium and/or large uninterrupted fields; (2) fields largely free
from weedy or brushy covers; (3) little or no idle land; (4) good farm-
steads and farm equipment; and (5) any other evidence of a good standard
of living.

Class 3. Units of 200 acres or more that are characterized by the
following use indices, appearing individually or in combination:
(1) small and/or medium uninterrupted fields; (2) limited weedy or brushy
field covers; (3) considerable idle land; (4) medium quality farmsteads
and farm equipment; and (5) any other evidence of a medium quality
standard of living.

Class 4. Units of 200 acres or more that are characterized by the
following use indices, appearing individually or in combination:
(1) small and/or interrupted fields; (2) heavy weedy or brushy covers;
(3) considerable idle land; (4) poor farmsteads, farm equipment; and
(5) any other evidence of a moderately low standard of living.

Class 5. Units of 200 acres or more that are characterized by the
following use indices, appearing individually or in combination:
(1) very small and/or interrupted fields; (2) sparse weedy or brushy
field covers; (3) excessive amounts of idle land; (4) very poor farm-
steads and farm equipment; and (5) any other evidence of a very low
standard of living.

-19-
APPENDIX C
The Five Classes of Land Classified on the Basis
of the Agricultural Quality of the Present
Physical Conditions of the Land
Noted on the Mosaics and Maps by the
Denominator of the Short Fraction
Class 1. Units of 200 acres or more that are characterized by the
following physical indices, appearing individually or in combination:
(1) relatively level or moderately undulating surface; (2) adequate or
thorough drainage; (3) little or no observable erosion; (4) deep stone-
free soil of exceptional fertility; and (5) little or no rock exposure.
Class 2. Units of 200 acres or more that are characterized by the
following physical indices, appearing individually or in combination:
(1) relatively level to undulating surface; (2) adequate or thorough
drainage; (3) little denudation by erosion; (4) deep fertile soils,
free from stone; and (5) limited rock exposure.


Class 3. Units of 200 acres or more that are characterized by the
following physical indices, appearing individually or in combination:
(1) undulating to moderately hilly surface; (2) adequate or thorough
drainage; (3) denudation by sheet erosion or moderate gullying to a
stage at which erosion control is economically feasible; (4) soils of
moderate fertility and stoniness; and (5) limited rock exposure.

Class 4. Units of 200 acres or more that are characterized by the
following physical indices, appearing individually or in combination:
(1) hilly surface; (2) poor or excessive drainage; (3) denudation by
sheet erosion or gully erosion to a depth that renders cultivation diffi-
cult and to a stage that further tillage would result in deterioration
beyond a point of economically feasible rehabilitation for pasture pur-
poses; (4) shallow or stony soils, low in fertility; and (5) consider-

able rock exposure.
Class 5. Units of 200 acres or more that are characterized by the
following physical indices, appearing individually or in combination:
(1) steep slopes; (2) very poor or excessive drainage; (3) denudation by
sheet or gully erosion beyond the point of cultivation and economically
feasible rehabilitation other than by reforestation; (4) shallow or stony
soils, very low in fertility; and (5) excessive rock exposure.

-20-
APPENDIX D
The Major Land Uses or Human Items on the Basis of
Which Homogeneous Land Use Units are Delimited
Noted on the Mosaics and Maps by the Digits
In the Numerator of the Long Fraction
6.
Forest land
First Digit
Major Land Uses
1. General farming
2. Animal Industry
Cash crop farming
23
3.
4.
5.
Second Digit
Agricultural Emphasis
A. Corn
Third Digit
Field Sizes
1. Large
G. Grain (small)
2.
Medium
B.
Beef cattle
3.
Small
Part-time farming
D.
Dairying
4. Very small
Subsistence farming
S.
Sheep
H.
Hogs
(See page 23)
7.
Recreational area
M.
Mules and/or
8.
Rural village area
horses
9. Urban area
P.
Poultry
10.
Manufacturing and
T. Tobacco
Mining area
C.
Cotton
W.
Truck
(See pages 22, 23)
0.
Orchard
N.
No emphasis
(See page 23)
Fourth Digit
Amount of Idle Land
Fifth Digit
Quality of Farmsteads
And Equipment
1. Little idle land
1.
Excellent
2.
Limited idle land
2.
Good
3.
Considerable idle
3.
Medium
4. Excessive idle
4.
Poor
5. Very poor
(See page 23)
(See pages 23, 24)
-21-
First Digit
Slope
APPENDIX E
The Major Physical Conditions of the Land
On the Basis of which Homogeneous
Natural Units are Delimited
Noted on the Mosaics and Maps by the Digits
In the Denominator of the Long Fraction
Relatively level
Relatively level
Second Digit
Drainage
1. Thorough
Adequate
Third Digit
Erosion
1. Little or no observa-
ble erosion
Little denudation by
erosion
3. Sheet erosion and
1.
2.
2.
to undulating
3. Poor
2.
3. Undulating to
4.
moderately hilly
5.
Very poor
Excessive
4.
Hilly
5. Steep
(See page 26)
5.
(See page 26)
2.
3.
Stony
ephemeral gullies
4. Excessive sheet ero-
sion and gullying
Excessive gully ero-
sion.
(See pages 26, 27)
Sixth Digit
Soil Depth
Deep (6 feet)
Moderately deep
Fifth Digit
Rock Exposure
1. Little or no
1.
rock exposure
2.
2. Limited rock
exposure
3.
Shallow (3 to 1)
4.
Very shallow
(See page 28)
Fourth Digit
Stoniness
1. Free from stones
Moderately stony
4. Very stony
(See page 27)
1.
ન
3. Considerable
rock exposure
4. Excessive rock
exposure
5. Rock exposure
barren
(See pages 27, 28)
Seventh Digit
Soil Fertility
Exceptionally fertile
2. Fertile
3.
4.
Moderately fertile
Low in fertility
5. Very low in fertility
(See page 28)
-22-
APPENDIX F
Supplementary Definitions*
NUMERATOR LONG FRACTION
First Digit Column
-
Major Land Uses
1. General Farming Areas with mixed, extensive agriculture, i.e., any
combination of cash cropping and animal industry in which neither is
dominant, although there may be some emphasis on one or more crops or
types of animal industry. Observable indices which commonly appear in
combination are: (1) farmsteads, in most cases, of medium quality or
better; (2) medium or large fenced fields; (3) some farm animals; (4) small
grains and/or corn in excess of needs for feed; and (5) other miscellaneo us
cash crops.
2.
Animal Industry Farming Areas in which the raising of animals, and/or
the production of animal products is the dominant enterprise. Observable
indices which commonly appear in combination are: (1) farmsteads of medium
quality or better, including buildings for animal shelter and feed storage,
such as barns, sheds, cribs, and silos; (2) medium or large fenced fields
with feed and forage use dominant; and (3) herds and flocks of farm
animals.
Observ-
3. Cash Crop Farming Areas producing cash crops, such as cotton, tobacco,
etc., as contrasted to those producing feed and forage for animals.
able indices which commonly appear in combination are: (1) farmsteads of
medium quality or better, with few out-buildings; (2) unfenced fields vary-
ing in size from relatively large to relatively small, depending upon
whether the cropping is extensive or intensive in nature; and (3) animals
only for draft or subsistence purposes.
4.
Part-time Farming Areas dependent upon non-agricultural enterprises
for cash income, apparently supplemented by subsistence, or small scale
specialized agriculture. Observable indices which commonly appear in com-
bination are: (1) rural residences of medium quality or better, with a few
small out-buildings which include a garage; (2) a small cultivated area
tributary to each establishment, including a kitchen garden; (3) subsistence
livestock enterprises; (4) an automobile at most establishments; (5) prax-
imity to a public carrier, all-weather route; and (6) apparent cash income
from land inadequate for maintenance of attained standard of living.
As the work pro-
Given where such definitions are considered necessary.
gresses into new areas, these definitions are being recast, where necessary,
to include conditions typical in these areas, the object being to develop a
classification based on Valley-wide conditions.
-23-
5.
Subsistence Farming Areas with small scale mixed agriculture, too
restricted to qualify as general farming, not sufficiently specialized or
productive to rank as any other major type, and without evidence of sig-
nificant income from non-agricultural sources. Observable indices which
commonly appear in combination are: (1) small farmsteads, in most cases
below medium quality; (2) small interrupted fields; (3) few farm animals;
(4) evidence of a balanced production, on a low scale, of such subsistence
products as corn, beans, pork, milk, and eggs; (5) small scale production
of cash crops, and/or animal products providing income to meet the minimum
of cash requirements; and (6) a relatively low standard of living.
6. Forest Land Land with tree or advanced brush cover, with no consider-
able proportion cultivated or pastured.
7. Recreational Area
8.
9.
Rural Village Area
Urban Area
10. Manufacturing and Mining Areas
Second Digit Column
Agricultural Emphasis
(Full fraction will not
(be written, such areas
(will merely be delimited
(and numbered appropriately
The digits, or capital letters, of this column are
used further to qualify the types of farming as
listed in the first digit column of the numerator,
long fraction.
Third Digit Column
Field Sizes
1. Large fields
2. Medium fields
3. Small fields
4. Very small fields
Fourth Digit Column Amount of Idle Land
-
1. Little or no idle land
2. Limited amounts of idle land
Considerable amounts of idle
3.
land
15 acres and over
6 to 15 acres
2 to 6 acres
Less than 2 acres
Less than 5%
5-10%
Note:
4. Excessive amounts of idle land
10-30%
Over 30%
In estimating the per cent of idle land, fallow land should be con-
sidered, as well as such land rendered idle due to excessive conditions of
erosion and other causes.
-24-
Fifth Digit
Quality of Farmsteads and Farm Equipment
1. Excellent Farmsteads characterized, in most cases, by houses of more
than four rooms, brick or excellent wooden construction, three or more
chimneys, rainproof tin or composition shingle roofs, three or four
cisterns or wells, excellently painted and repaired, frequently equipped
with electricity and telephone, and surrounded by well kept grounds; two
or more large barns, equipped with silos, a large tobacco barn or shed,
five or more miscellaneous sheds, chicken coops, a garage and several
adjacent tenant houses, purchased gang plows, several harrows, hay rakes,
wagons, a threshing machine, a tractor, and a medium priced automobile.
2. Good Farmsteads characterized, in most cases, by houses of four or
more rooms, wooden frame or brick construction, several brick chimneys,
rainproof tin, wood, or composition shingle roofs, two or more cisterns,
showing evidence of frequent repair and repainting, and capable of being
adequately heated during the winter months by stoves or open fire places;
two or more barns, and occasional silos; numerous sheds; a nearby tenant
house; and purchased plows, harrows, hay rakes, farm wagons, occasional
threshing machines, and frequently an automobile.
3. Medium Farmsteads characterized, in most cases, by three, or at the
most four-room houses of wooden construction, occasionally painted, and
possessing brick chimneys, rainproof tin roofs, and cisterns; a large
barn; a tobacco shed and three or more auxiliary sheds; and a purchased
plow, harrow, hay rake, farm wagon, and occasionally an old automobile.
4. Poor - Farmsteads characterized, in most cases, by two, or at the
most, three-room houses, rough board construction, unpainted, rainproof
wooden shingle roofs, and a state of disrepair making them difficult to
heat during the winter months, sheds, three or less in number; occasional
small barns; and purchased plows supplemented by crude hand-fashioned farm
implements.
5. Very poor
Farmsteads characterized, in most cases, by one, or at the
most, two-room houses, log or rough board construction, unpainted, leaky
roofs, and a state of disrepair or faulty construction making them in-
capable of being properly heated during the winter months; small sheds,
three or less in number; no barns; and the virtual absence of all but the
crudest hand-fashioned farm implements.
Note: Field observers should base their evaluation of farmstead quality
on those of owner operators, except in such areas where the land is
dominantly operated by tenants and owned by absentee landlords.
Indices Not Included in the Fractions, that are Used in Evaluating the
Quality of Present Use
Field Continuity
1. Uninterrupted
.not isolated or detached
from contiguous fields by uncultivatable land.
-25-
2. Interrupted..
..isolated, that is,
separated from other fields by uncultivatable land.
Cover on Uncultivated Land
1. Free from weeds; excellent grass cover .....Areas virtually
free from weeds, possessing for the most part excellent
grass covers.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Largely free from weedy and/or brushy cover; good grass cover
...Limited areas of fallow or pastured land with
stands of grassy weeds covering less than 10 per cent of their
extent.
Limited weedy and/or brushy cover; some grass.... ...Limited
or spotty stands of grassy weeds, occasional briars and brush
covering from 10 to 40 per cent of restricted areas of idle
land or pastured land.
Heavy weedy and/or brushy cover; some grass..
Stands
of grassy and woody weeds, briars, and brush covering from
40 to 80 per cent of the idle or pastured land.
..Sparse
Sparse weedy and/or brushy cover; no grass...
weedy and/or brushy field cover interspersed by bare ground,
indicative of a soil fertility so low that even rank stands
of either weeds or brush are precluded.

Other Evidence of the Standard of Living - Largely subjective evidence,
such as the appearance of the people, fences, cleanly or uncleanly appear-
ance of farmstead grounds, etc., to be left to the judgment of the field
observers.
Accessibility (To be determined by office planimeter measurement and com-
putation)
1. Accessible..
2.
3.
.Less than 20% of the area one-half mile or more
from all-weather automobile roads.
Semi-accessible.......20-40% of the area one-half mile or more from all-
weather automobile roads.
Semi-isolated.........40-60% of the area one-half mile or more from all-
weather automobile roads.
4. Isolated..
5. Inaccessible..
.60-80% of the area one-half mile or more from all-
weather automobile roads.
.80-100% of the area one-half mile or more from all-
weather automobile roads.
Note: This method has not yet been applied even experimentally.
-26-
DENOMINATOR LONG FRACTION
First Digit Column
Slope
1. Relatively level..
..slopes of O- 5% grade
2. Relatively level to undulating....slopes of 5-10% grade
3. Undulating to moderately hilly....slopes of 10-20% grade
4. Hilly.
5. Steep...
Second Digit Column
Drainage
1. Thoroughly drained land...
2
slopes of 20-40% grade
..slopes of 40% grade or over
Land which, in terms of
drainage, does not normally present any problems of cultiva-
tion or agricultural production.
Adequately drained land..
...Land which, in terms of
drainage, does not normally present problems of cultivation
or agricultural production, but which under heavy rainfall
conditions necessitates delays in farm operations and may
result in reduced crop yields.
3. Poorly drained land...
4.
5.
.Land which, in terms of
drainage, presents problems of cultivation and agricultural
production even during conditions of normal rainfall.
Very poorly drained land...
Land which, in terms of
drainage, cannot be used for agricultural purposes--virtually
swamp land.
Excessively drained land.
......Land which, in terms of
drainage, does not retain sufficient moisture for agricultural
production--in most cases associated with conditions of ex-
cessive sheet and gully erosion and steep slopes.
Third Digit Column
1.
2
Erosion
Little or no observable erosion.......Land possessing little
or no observable sheet erosion, and no evidence of gullying,
although the soil may show moderate discoloration due to the
leaching of its more soluble minerals by surface water..
Little denudation by erosion.
...Land possessing a moder-
ate condition of sheet erosion and some ephemeral gullies;
that offer no obstruction to cultivation, and can be easily
restored by simple procedures of crop and pasture rotation.
-27-
3.
4.
5.
Erosion to a stage where erosion control practices are eco-
nomically feasible.....
.Land possessing an excessive
condition of sheet erosion and numerous ephemeral gullies,
which under further tillage would soon deteriorate to a
point rendering tillage difficult, but which could be easily
restored by hay cropping, strip cropping, gully blocking with
cut brush, contour plowing, and other relatively inexpensive
erosion control practices.
Erosion that renders cultivation difficult and to a stage
that further tillage would result in deterioration beyond
the point of economically feasible rehabilitation for pasture
......Land possessing an excessive condition of sheet
erosion; numerous gullies up to and including those of a
depth of two feet, and where cultivation, though rendered
difficult, is not entirely precluded.
use..
Erosion beyond the point of cultivation and economically
feasible rehabilitation..
.Land possessing an ex-
cessive condition of erosion with gullies sufficiently deep
to render cultivation infeasible, and the rehabilitation of
which would necessitate stone diking, rock terracing, etc.,
the cost of which per acre would equal or exceed the value
of such land prior to its deterioration.
Fourth Digit Column Soil Stoniness
1. Free from stones.
Fields, the soils of which are
entirely free, or sufficiently free from stones to present
no difficulty to cultivation.
2. Moderately stony............Fields with scattered small
stones, only slightly impeding cultivation.
3. Stony.
Fields covered by a pavement of small and/or
large stones, not so numerous as to preclude cultivation,
but to render it difficult.
4. Very stony.
Very stony............Fields covered by a pavement of small
and/or large stones with less area occupied by the soil of
the interstices than by the stones themselves, thus virtually
precluding cultivation.
Fifth Digit Column Rock Exposure
1. Little or no rock exposure.
2. Limited rock exposure...
.Less than 1% of land surface
has rock exposure.
.......1-10% of land surface has
rock exposure.
-28-
3. Considerable rock exposure..
4. Excessive rock exposure..
5.
Rock exposure barrens...
.10-30% of land surface
has rock exposure.
30-50% of land surface
has rock exposure.
.Over 50% of land surface
has rock exposure.
Sixth Digit Column Soil Depth
Deep.....
1. Deep.
2. Moderately deep.
3. Shallow..
4. Very shallow.
Seventh Digit Column Soil Fertility*
1.
Exceptionally fertile...
.6 feet or more.
......6 feet to 3 feet.
3 feet to 1 foot.
.1 foot or less.
..Chocolate colored lime-
stone and alluvial soils.
2. Fertile..
3. Moderately fertile..
4. Low in fertility.
5. Very low in fertility.
.Dark red dolomites and
limestone soils.
..Light red dolomites,
moderately deep shales,
and low grade limestone
soils.
Yellow red gravelly
dolomites, to yellowish
colored shallow grey shales.
.Very shallow shales, stony
dolomites.
* This method of denoting soil fertility was adopted for the upper Tennessee
Valley on the authority of Dr. C. A. Mooers, Director of the Tennessee State
Experimental Station. This method may or may not be applicable in other
areas.
-29-
APPENDIX G
The Fractional Method of Field Investigation
The history, evolution, and limitations of the fractional-code method
of field investigation are given in the following excerpts from Vernon C.
Finch's article, "Geographic Surveying," which appeared in Bulletin No. 9
of the Geographic Society of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 1933:
"The problems of geographical method are numerous and complicated,
and all are incident to the attempt to understand regions. They
include problems of how to observe, how to record, how to describe,
and how to explain the phenomena of the occupancy and use of area,
the cultural pattern of a region as it is superimposed upon the
features that comprise the natural landscape... . . . . A formidable
accumulation of such data from geological, topographical, and soil
surveys, economic surveys and voluminous census compilations has
contributed to this end.
"Such materials, however, and the geographic conclusions drawn from
them leave something to be desired. Frequently, they deal with
regions in terms of large units. Not always are all the needful
kinds of data available for the same unit. No census questionnaire
yet devised provides certain facts that the geographer requires.
Therefore, it has become increasingly apparent that geographers
must themselves set about a systematic collection and interpreta-
tion of all the facts pertaining to the occupancy and use of at
least small units of area.
"To this complicated problem of how to observe, record, and interpret
the geographical facts of area, a group of American geographers
from several mid-western universities first addressed themselves
in 1923. The same group has met in annual conference each year
since that date. Stages in the evolution of thought and methodology
relating to these problems are recorded in a number of papers by
means of this group presented at the meetings of the Association
of American Geographers, most of which have been published." (See
"Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 1925, 1926,
1927, 1928, 1931.")
"The immediate objective of the map record in field geography is
to put upon one map, so far as it may be done in two dimensions,
all of the significant features of both the natural and cultural
landscapes and to put these varying combinations in their areal
relationships to one another. For the improvement of the degree
of map accuracy, plane tables, open sight alidades, pace scales,
and methods of rough triangulation are employed in the field.
In the Montfort study the notations were made upon a base map drawn
in advance of the field work from United States topographic sheets
and the available township surveys upon a scale of approximately
-30-
1:15,840. The map record for any given combination of slope,
soil, drainage, major land use, specific crop and quality
thereof was made in the form of a fractional notation." (Note:
Land use or human items are recorded in the numerator of the
fraction, and natural items are recorded in the denominator of
the fraction.)
The
"This unit areal complex was bounded by lines drawn as nearly as
possible along positions which marked a change in any one or
more of these elements..
The method of detailed study is
necessarily laborious. To survey large regions and analyze
records would require a prohibitive expenditure of time and
effort for any individual. It may be stated with some certainty
that the method cannot now profitably be employed upon more
than sample or representative localities. These, therefore,
must be selected as a result of careful reconnaissance.
method of this reconnaissance is in itself a subject that
urgently requires further study. It must be comprehensive; it
must be accurate; and it must enable with certainty the se-
lection of localities which may stand as representative of the
whole and be subjected to closer sorutiny and more detailed
analysis." (Note: The field methods developed by the Land
Classification Section for use in the Rural Land Classification
Program were devised in part to fulfill the requirements brought
out here by Mr. Finch.)
•

436 OCT 22
84 NOVE
24-JUN 18
AUGTT 1958
AUG 2 1958
: