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Site Data Collection Checklist Guide

This document provides a checklist of various site data that should be collected for a property, including topography, climate, hydrology, soils, vegetation, infrastructure and utilities.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
16 views2 pages

Site Data Collection Checklist Guide

This document provides a checklist of various site data that should be collected for a property, including topography, climate, hydrology, soils, vegetation, infrastructure and utilities.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Site Data Collection Checklist

Basic Site Overview • Surface water and level of water table: year
round and seasonal
• Known challenges and potential disasters • Drainage patterns
• Fire, flood, frost, etc. • Springs, creeks, streams, ponds (permanence)
• Topography • Catchment: size and type
• Erosion • Flood levels: 100 year flood
• Noise: rail, aircraft, highway, neighbours
• Visual pollution Access
• Unpleasant odours or other off-site concerns,
run-off, dust, privacy, etc. • Existing roads
• Time • New roads required and potential cost: to
• Money structures, fields, other

Climate Trees and Forestry

• Light availability: sun, rain, clouds, fog • Identification of existing plants and their vigour
• Temperature: average high and low (note location, guilds, species, height, width,
temperatures (hardiness zone) noxious, poisonous, etc.)
• Average rainfall: yearly and monthly • Forests: type, age, condition, value
• Frost: average date, frequency, direction • Density
• Hail: timing, frequency, direction • Exotic species present
• Storm: timing, frequency, direction • Plants to be cultivated: vegetables, fruits,
• Microclimates berries, nuts, natives, exotics, medicinals,
• Air drainage woodlot
• Altitude and latitude
• Solar access: South/Southwest preferred Buildings and Utilities
• Hot/warm summer slopes
• Cool summer slopes • Electricity, gas, water (well or municipal),
• Wind access, drains, thermals, chills telephone, sewage, internet
• Damaging or desirable winter winds • Locate existing utility lines, water lines, sewer
• Cooling breezes and septic

Mapping fencing and animals

• Existing site drawings • Domestic: primary use, food, manure, grazing


• Aerial photos • Water fowl and native birds – nests and
• Contour maps droppings
• Legal/ cadastral description • Aquaculture
• Land survey • Native animals of concern (wolf, boar, snakes,
• Contour maps or field survey foxes, etc.)
• Identify keylines, valleys, and ridges
• Determine slope gradient (degree of slope) soils and Geology
either severe, moderate, minor, or percent
grade • Geology and conservation maps (government
maps)
Water and Hydrology • Soil type: clay, loam, sand
• Soil tests: pH, nitrogen, phosphates, potassium,
• Water quality and other major and minor elements and
• Existing water rights and resources: note minerals
potential water rights • Drainage and absorption

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• Soil depth and organic content
• Stability of site
• Maximum depth of frost
• History of use

Energy

• Wind direction and velocity (monthly)


• Number of sunny and cloudy days
• Solar access; obstructions
• Stream gradient: from top to bottom
• Other potential energy sources; biomass,
geothermal, methane

Resource (on/off site)


High quality aerial photos and topographic data are becoming widely
• Natural features: springs, sunken areas, available at low-cost and even freely available in many counries.
woodland, minerals, timber, sand deposits in
creeks, stones for building
• Edibles: native fruits and berries, fish
• Sources of biomass: on/off site
• Views: good and not so good
• Sawmill, factories, dump, plant and seed
sources

Community land use

• What is going on upstream and over the fence


(toxic sprays, livestock in streams, etc.)
• Economic and emotional health of community
• Schools, public, hospitals, fire department,
landfill/dump, shops

money and Markets GIS data is available in many countries, here slope mapping is being
used in the analysis of a property.
• Assets and money available
• Budget and Installation phases
• Potential Markets
• Competitors
• Local population figures
• Demographic considerations
• Other forms of capital?

Organisational structure

• Have you created your Holistic Context?


• Who are the current decision-makers?
• What binding agreements exist?
• Details of financial/legal structures
• How is decision monitoring carried out?

Compiling a Bill of Quantities for infrastructure development.

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Common questions

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Buildings and utilities are crucial in site planning as they determine the feasibility and functionality of infrastructure developments. Locating existing utility lines for electricity, gas, water, and sewage informs decisions on new building placements. Understanding the availability of utilities affects the design of buildings and influences budget considerations for potential installations or upgrades .

Soil type, geology, and site stability significantly impact land use planning. Soil tests reveal pH, nutrient content, and drainage capabilities, essential for agricultural and construction uses. Historical use data informs about past contaminations or alterations, while geological maps provide insights into conservation needs and potential hazards. Overall, these factors determine the suitability for various types of development and influence environmental conservation efforts .

Mapping contributes significantly to understanding a site's characteristics by providing detailed visual representations of existing site features through aerial photos and contour maps. It helps in identifying topographical features such as keylines, valleys, ridges, and slope gradients. Mapping also facilitates the determination of legal boundaries, aiding in strategic planning for site development .

When planning infrastructure development, site-specific environmental challenges include natural disasters such as fire, flood, and frost. Topography-related issues like erosion and noise pollution from sources such as rail, aircraft, or highways should also be assessed. Additionally, concerns such as visual pollution, unpleasant odors, run-off, dust, and lack of privacy must be considered .

When considering site development, it's important to examine community factors such as existing land use, the economic and emotional health of the community, and proximity to public infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and emergency services. It's also vital to understand upstream activities that might affect site conditions, such as pollution or livestock presence, as well as local market dynamics including demographics, competition, and available budgets .

Factors to consider in assessing a site's hydrology and water resources include water quality, existing water rights, surface water availability, and seasonal variations in the water table. It is crucial to examine drainage patterns, the permanence of water bodies such as springs, creeks, and ponds, as well as flood levels and catchment size and type .

Climate data can greatly influence site planning and design by dictating the need for adaptations in construction and landscaping. Key elements include light availability, temperature variations, average rainfall, frost dates, hail and storm frequency, and the presence of microclimates. Such data guides decisions on the preferred orientation for solar access, suitable plant species for landscaping, and the design of buildings to maximize energy efficiency .

The organizational structure impacts land development projects by determining decision-making processes, financial management, and compliance with legal agreements. Key factors include creating a holistic context for the project, identifying key decision-makers, reviewing binding agreements, and ensuring effective decision monitoring. A clear organizational framework facilitates coordinated efforts and ensures that projects are grounded in sustainable practices and economic viability .

Energy resources impact development plans by dictating the feasibility of using renewable resources like solar, wind, and biomass. Access to sufficient solar radiation and wind can enable sustainable energy solutions, reducing long-term costs. For instance, wind direction and velocity assessments, alongside solar access evaluations, guide the placement and orientation of energy-efficient buildings and renewable energy installations .

Understanding existing trees and forestry is vital for land development as it aids in conserving valuable ecosystems and planning sustainable use of resources. Identification of plant species and their vigor helps prevent the spread of noxious or harmful vegetation. Additionally, assessments of forest type, age, condition, and density guide sustainable forestry management and help in integrating agriculture and forestry efficiently .

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