This document provides guidance on conducting a site analysis for a building project. It involves collecting existing site plans and documentation to locate buildings, contours, vegetation, utilities and other site features. A site visit is then used to note additional details like sun orientation, winds, wildlife, and existing site uses. Practical considerations like access, security, soil, and water resources are evaluated. Measurements of buildings, paths, landscaping are taken to verify the scale of design drawings. Aerial photos, site photos, and views are also documented.

2. Site Analysis
Collect existing information
Building / Site Plans: Architectural - locate:
•building on the site
•doors & windows
•building / site sections or elevations – height / scale of buildings
•building materials
Landscape Architecture / Civil - locate:
•contours / significant grade change
•existing vegetation – species & size
•existing paths / structures / fences - materials
•existing irrigation, storm water lines or other plumbing lines
•existing electrical
•property lines
•North

3. Site Visit: Locate any of the above information not found on plans
Note Site Features:
•sun orientation
•prevailing winds
•presence of water
•presence of wildlife
•presence of people
•existing uses of the site & its surroundings
•think of all the senses and record observations
sound / sight / smell / touch / taste + spirit
Site Practicalities:
•access – pedestrian / vehicular / maintenance equipment
•open access for neighbors?
• considerations for vandalism?
•soil quality
•availability of water
•size / scale of available spaces to fit the program needs

4. Measurements:
measure enough existing features to verify the scale of your drawings
overall length and height of building faces
location and width paths
location & size (trunk, canopy and height) of trees & shrubs
Aerial Photos
Site Photos
Views