Why convert to grid square data?
A. The input data is converted to grid square estimates for a number of reasons, namely: • the format of data obtained from the government deparments is potentially disclosive; • the geographies (e.g. Scottish parishes, Welsh communities) vary in size and shape, the land use capabilities also vary across these geographies; (iii) farmers may under- or over-report agriculture activity e.g. by combining small holdings to produce one return or farm may be on the boundary of 2 geographies; (iv) livestock may be elsewhere; (v) the census returns are a ‘snapshot’ of activity on 1 June. (for further information see: http://edina.ac.uk/agcensus/support/agcen2.pdf). Grid square data containing British National Grid easting and northing co-ordinates also facilitates analysis within desktop GIS such as ArcGIS, MapInfo.
