Land Use Capability (LUC) Map 2002

Each polygon was classified on a discrete scale from 1 to 8. Class 1 land is best for sustained agricultural production, while class 8 land has severely limited uses (Froude, 1999). Classes 1 to 4 are considered suitable for multiple land uses including arable cropping, while classes 5 to 7 are only suitable for pastoral grazing and forestry. Class 8 is not suitable for any productive use. LUC subclasses and units further classify land based on dominant limitation and management requirements. (Motu restricted dataset 3.)

Data Source: Landcare Research.