Legend information for Canada Land Inventory AbaData datasets
AGRICULTURE
1.1 – Agricultural soil classification
1.2 – Agricultural soil Classes
1.3 – Agricultural soil Subclasses
-2-
FORESTRY
2.1 – Forestry land capability
2.2 – Forestry land capability Classes
2.3 – Forestry land capability Subclasses
-4–
RECREATION
3.1 – Recreation land capability
3.2 – Recreation land capability Classes
3.3 – Recreation land capability Subclasses
-6-
UNGULATES
4.1 – Ungulate land capability
4.2 – Ungulate land capability Classes
4.3 – Ungulate land capability Subclasses
-8-
WATERFOWL
5.1 – Waterfowl land capability
5.2 – Waterfowl land capability Classes
5.3 – Waterfowl land capability Subclasses
- 10 -
For more extensive information regarding these datasets and the Canada Land
Inventory, please consult the Canada Land Inventory home page at:
http://geogratis.cgdi.gc.ca/CLI/frames.html
1
AGRICULTURE
1.1 Agricultural Soil Classification:
The Agriculture layer shows the varying potential of a specific area for agricultural
production. It indicates the classes and subclasses according to the Soil Capability
Classification of Agriculture, which is based on characteristics of the soil as determined
by soil surveys. The mineral soils are grouped into 7 classes and 13 subclasses according
to the potential of each soil for the production of field crops. Organic soils are not a part
of the classification and are shown as a single separate unit (0).
1.2 Agricultural Soil Classes:
Class
2
Description
1
Soils in this class have no significant limitations in use for crops.
2
Soils in this class have moderate limitations that restrict the range of crops or
require moderate conservation practices.
3
Soils in this class have moderately severe limitations that restrict the range of
crops or require special conservation practices.
4
Soils in this class have severe limitations that restrict the range of crops or
require special conservation practices.
5
Soils in this class gave very severe limitations that restrict their capability in
producing perennial forage crops, and improvement practices are feasible.
6
Soils in this class are capable only of producing perennial forage crops, and
improvement practices are not feasible.
7
Soils in this class have no capacity for arable culture or permanent pasture.
0
Organic Soils (not placed in capability classes).
1.3 Agricultural Subclasses:
Subclass
Description
C
Adverse climate
D
Undesirable soils structure and/or low permeability
E
Erosion
F
Low fertility
I
Inundation by streams or lakes
M
Moisture limitations
N
Salinity
P
Stoniness
R
Consolidated bedrock
S
Combination of subclasses
T
Topography
W
Excess water
X
Soils having limitation resulting from the cumulative effect of two or more
adverse characteristics
3
FORESTRY
2.1 Forestry land capability:
The mapping of land capability for forestry is based on a national classification
system. Land is rated according to seven classes depending on its capability to grow
commercial timber in areas stocked with the optimum number and species of trees. This
rating considers the land in its natural state, without improvements such as fertilization,
drainage, or amelioration practices. With improved forest management, production may
change and limitations may be overcome so that class changes may occur, however,
significant changes will only be achieved through costly and continuing practices. The
best lands for tree growth are Class 1, and Class 7 land cannot yield timber in commercial
quantities
2.2 Forestry land capability Classes:
Class Description
4
1
Lands having no important limitations to the growth of commercial forests.
2
Lands having very slight limitations to the growth of commercial forests.
3
Lands having slight limitations to the growth of commercial forests.
4
Lands having moderate limitations to the growth of commercial forests.
5
Lands having moderately severe limitations to the growth of commercial forests.
6
Lands having severe limitations to the growth of commercial forests.
7
Lands having severe limitations which preclude the growth of commercial
forests.
2.3 Forestry land capability Subclasses:
Subclass
Description
A
Drought or arid conditions as a result of climate.
C
A combination of more than one climatic factor or when it is not possible to
decide which of two or more features of climate is significant.
H
Low temperatures, that is too cold.
U
Exposure.
M
Soil moisture deficiency.
W
Soil moisture excess.
X
A pattern of "M" and "W" too intimately associate to map separately.
Z
A pattern of wet organic soils and bedrock too intimately associated to map
separately.
D
Physical restriction to rooting by dense or consolidated layers, other than
bedrock.
R
Restriction of rooting zone by bedrock.
Y
Intimate pattern of shallowness and compaction or other restricting layers.
E
Actively eroding soils.
F
Low fertility.
I
Soil periodically inundated by streams or lakes.
K
Presence of perennially frozen material.
L
Nutritional problems associated with high levels of carbonates.
N
Excessive levels of toxic elements such as soluble salts.
P
Stoniness which affects forest density or growth.
S
A combination of soil factors, none of which, by themselves would affect the
class level but cumulatively lower the capability class.
5
RECREATION
3.1 Recreation land capability:
Canada Land Inventory Recreation mapping provides an estimate of the quantity,
quality, and location of outdoor recreational lands in the settled portions of Canada as
basic information for planning recreational use of the resource. The inventory classes
recreational land-use capability from Class 1 with very high capability to Class 7 with
very low capability. The basis of the classification is the quantity of recreational use that
a land unit can attract and withstand without undue deterioration of the resource base,
under perfect market conditions. “Quantity” may be measured by visitor days, a visitor
day being any reasonable portion of a 24-hour period during which an individual person
uses a unit of land for recreation. “Perfect market conditions” implies uniform demand
and accessibility for all areas, which means that location relative to population centres
and to present access do not affect the classification. Thus, a land unit with a high
capability feature such as beach could accommodate a large number of users with a lower
risk of major damage to the beach area, whereas an alpine meadow would rank much
lower because heavy use by visitors would very quickly damage the fragile ground cover.
3.2 Recreation land capability Classes:
Class
6
Description
1
Lands in this class have very high capability for outdoor recreation.
2
Lands in this class have a high capability for outdoor recreation.
3
Lands in this class have a moderately high capability for outdoor recreation.
4
Lands in this class have moderate capability for outdoor recreation.
5
Lands in this class have moderately low capability for outdoor recreation.
6
Lands in this class have low capability for outdoor recreation.
7
Lands in this class have very low capability for outdoor recreation.
3.3 Recreation land capability Subclasses:
Subclass
Description
A
A land providing access to water affording opportunity for angling or viewing
of sport fish.
B
Shoreland capable of supporting family beach activities.
C
Land fronting on and providing direct access to waterways with significant
capability for canoe tripping.
D
Shoreland with deeper inshore water suitable for swimming or boat mooring
or launching.
E
Land with vegetation possessing recreational value.
F
Waterfall or rapids.
G
Significant glacier view or experience.
H
Historic or pre-historic site.
J
Area offering particular opportunities for gathering and collecting items of
popular features.
L
Interesting landform features other than rock formations.
M
Frequent small water bodies or streams occurring in upland areas.
N
Land (usually shoreland) suited to family or other recreation lodging use.
O
Land affording opportunity for viewing of wildlife.
P
Areas exhibiting cultural landscape patters of agricultural, industrial, or social
interest.
Q
Areas exhibiting variety, in topography or land and water relationships, which
enhances opportunities for general outdoor recreation such as hiking and
nature study or for aesthetic appreciation of the area.
R
Interesting rock formations.
S
A combination of slopes, snow conditions and climate providing downhill
skiing opportunities.
T
Thermal springs.
U
Shoreland fronting water accommodating yachting or deep water, boat
tripping.
V
Vantage point or area which offers a superior view relative to the class of the
unit(s) which contain it, or a corridor or other area which provides frequent
viewing opportunities.
W
Land affording opportunity for viewing of wetland wildlife.
X
Miscellaneous features with recreation capability.
Y
Shoreland providing access to water suitable for popular forms of family
boating.
Z
Areas exhibiting major, permanent, non-urban, man-made structures of
recreational interest.
7
UNGULATES
4.1 Ungulate land capability:
The mapping of land capability for ungulates follows a national system developed
with the aid of the Canadian Wildlife Service and the game branches of the provinces.
The ungulate sector uses seven classes, like the others. Capability for ungulate production
implies a sufficient quantity and quality of food, protective cover, and space to meet the
needs for survival, growth, and reproduction. The land surface is mapped in
homogeneous units based on physical characteristics significant to ungulates. The
assignment of a class number to each land unit is based on known or inferred relevant
information, including parent material, soil profile, depth, moisture, fertility, landform,
climatic factors, and vegetation, which reflect the quality and quantity of food and cover
available to wildlife. Classification is based on the natural state of the land under good
practical and feasible wildlife management practices.
4.2 Ungulate land capability Classes:
Class
1
Lands in this class have no significant limitations to the production of ungulates.
1W
Lands in this special class are Class 1 areas that are winter ranges on which
animals from surrounding areas depend.
2
Lands in this class have very slight limitations to the production of ungulates.
2W
Lands in this special class are Class 2 areas that are winter ranges on which
animals from surrounding areas depend.
3
8
Description
Lands in this class have slight limitations to the production of ungulates.
3W
Lands in this special class are Class 3 areas that are winter ranges on which
animals from surrounding areas depend.
4
Lands in this class have moderate limitations to the production of ungulates.
5
Lands in this class have moderately severe limitations to the production of
ungulates.
6
Lands in this class have severe limitations to the production of ungulates.
7
Lands in this class have limitations so severe that there is no ungulate
production.
4.3 Ungulate land capability Subclasses:
Subclass
Identification
Description
A
Aridity
Drought or aridity that adversely affects
the habitat.
C
Climate
A combination of climatic factors acting
to reduce favourable habitat, and the
production survival of ungulates.
Q
Snow Depth
Excessive snow depth that reduces the
mobility of ungulates and availability of
food plants.
U
Exposure or Aspect
Special climatic factors such as
exposure to prevailing winter winds, that
adversely affect the animals or their
habitat.
F
Fertility
Lack of nutrients in the soil for optimum
plant growth.
G
Landform
Poor distribution or interspersion of
landforms necessary for optimum
ungulate habitat.
I
Inundation
Excessive water level fluctuations or tidal
action that adversely affects the habitat
or survival of ungulates.
M
Soil
N
Adverse soil
R
Soil depth
T
Adverse Topography
Poor soil moisture, either moisture
excessive or deficient.
Excessive salinity, lack of essential trace
elements, characteristics or abundance
of toxic elements in the soil.
Restriction of the rooting zone by
bedrock or other impervious layers.
Either steepness or flatness.
9
WATERFOWL
5.1 Waterfowl land capability:
The mapping of land capability for waterfowl uses a national system developed
with the aid of the Canadian Wildlife Service. This sector uses seven classes, like the
others. Capability for waterfowl production requires a sufficient quantity and quality of
food, protective cover, and space to meet the needs for survival, growth, and
reproduction. The ability of the land to meet these needs is determined by the individual
requirements of the species or group under consideration, the physical characteristics of
the land, and those factors that influence the plant and animal communities. The land
surface is mapped in homogeneous units based on physical characteristics significant to
waterfowl. A class number is assigned to each land unit based on known or inferred
information on parent material, soil profile, depth, moisture, fertility, landform, climatic
factors, and vegetation. Classification is based on the natural state of the land under good
practical and feasible wildlife management practices. The class designation indicates the
degree of limitation, the subclass indicates the factors that cause the limitation.
5.2 Waterfowl land capability Classes:
Class
1
Lands in this class have no significant limitation to the production of waterfowl.
1S
Water areas in this special class are Class 1 areas that also serve as important
migration stops.
2
2S
3
10
Description
Lands in this class have very slight limitations to the production of waterfowl.
Water areas in this special class are Class 2 areas that also serve as important
migration stops.
Lands in this class have slight limitations to the production of waterfowl.
3S
Water areas in this special class are Class 3 areas that also serve as important
migration stops.
3M
Water areas in this special class may not be useful for waterfowl production, but
are important as migration or wintering areas. This class has no subclasses.
4
Lands in this class have moderate limitations to the production of waterfowl.
5
Lands in this class have moderately severe limitations to waterfowl production.
6
Lands in this class have severe limitations to the production of waterfowl.
7
Lands in this class have such severe limitations that almost no waterfowl are
produced.
5.3 Waterfowl land capability Subclasses:
Subclass
Description
A
Aridity
B
Free-flowing water
C
Climate
F
Fertility
G
Landform
I
Inundation
J
Reduced marsh edge
M
Soil moisture
N
Adverse soil and water characteristics
R
Soil depth
T
Adverse topography
Z
Water depth
11