PA - Site Planning and Design - 3 - Site Data and Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of site analysis in the site design process?

To negotiate permits and approvals

To gather data for preliminary planning (correct)

To identify the best construction materials

To evaluate the site for aesthetic appeal

Why is a thorough evaluation of the site often discounted in the planning process?

To avoid complying with administrative requirements

To speed up the construction process

To focus on the aesthetics of the site

Due to limited resources (correct)

What are the potential consequences of discovering site limitations after design or in construction?

Enhanced stakeholder satisfaction

Minimal impact on project timelines

Significant economic costs and damage to professional reputation (correct)

Improved efficiency and cost savings

What is the value of a comprehensive site analysis?

Clear and complete identification of issues and site character Signup and view all the answers

Why is site analysis considered a critical first step in planning and designing a site?

To recognize concerns requiring additional study Signup and view all the answers

What are the purposes of site analysis?

Gather data for preliminary planning, evaluate the site for compatibility, recognize concerns, understand administrative requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why photography firms may be reluctant to enlarge photographs for site planners?

The resulting print may have inherent distortion and inaccuracy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate part of a photograph, according to the text?

The center of the lens Signup and view all the answers

Why are enlarged aerial photographs valuable for site planners?

They reveal site features not clearly visible at ground level. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the curvature of the lens affect the photograph?

It results in minor distortions toward the edges and corners of the picture. Signup and view all the answers

What do old aerial photographs sometimes reveal?

Site features not clearly visible at ground level Signup and view all the answers

How can private firms be willing to work with designers in relation to photographs?

They may be willing to enlarge and prepare special prints of photographs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the slope analysis mentioned in the text?

To identify possible building sites and access routes Signup and view all the answers

What important information may a soil survey provide?

Information pertaining to the erodability of soils and risks associated with cut and fill operations Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider building orientation according to the text?

To optimize energy consumption and building performance Signup and view all the answers

What type of information can be obtained from the USGS for site analysis?

Aerial photographs and digital site data Signup and view all the answers

What important aspect does the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map consider?

Potential impacts of global climate change on site evaluation Signup and view all the answers

Why might it be challenging to develop sites in low or flat areas?

Because of potential wetland restrictions Signup and view all the answers

What does the USGS provide information about through the Center for Integration of Natural Disaster Information (CINDI)?

Geological hazards like earthquakes and landslides Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to consider aspect in site planning?

To optimize energy consumption and building performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of FEMA's website?

To offer hazard mapping for earthquake, tornadoes, wind, and hail Signup and view all the answers

Why is an assessment of existing vegetation important for site analysis?

To evaluate the quality of soil and subsurface conditions Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of water-tolerant plant species indicate?

High water table or frequent flooding Signup and view all the answers

Why should a designer consult local or state sources prior to making a site visit?

To determine the population of protected plant species Signup and view all the answers

What does James Urban's tree evaluation methodology primarily focus on?

Assessment of the condition of specimen trees Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of aerial photogrammetry in site analysis?

Low cost compared to traditional field topographic methods Signup and view all the answers

Why can aerial photography only be collected during winter months in some areas?

Because it provides better visibility of vegetation-obscured ground Signup and view all the answers

What does existing aerial photography provide for the site designer?

Historical information at a relatively low price Signup and view all the answers

What does ASTM D5518-94e1 provide guidance on?

Identification of public sources for existing aerial photography Signup and view all the answers

What do many private firms have in terms of aerial photography?

Existing aerial photography taken on speculation or on contract Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Guide for Acquisition?

To assist in identifying public sources of existing aerial photography Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of photogrammetry in collecting aerial photography?

Lack of availability during winter months Signup and view all the answers

What is the first consideration of the site analysis?

Determining the project's relationship to the community Signup and view all the answers

Why is the proposal phase site analysis extremely important?

To facilitate winning the work and base the proposal on its outcome Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical concerns for commercial projects in terms of site location?

Visibility, site access, and traffic Signup and view all the answers

What is included in a site characterization?

Geotechnical analysis of subsurface conditions Signup and view all the answers

Why do site analyses are usually conducted in two steps?

To facilitate winning the work in proposal phase Signup and view all the answers

What is a valuable source of topographic information for site analysis?

United States Geological Survey (USGS) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have a clear understanding of the contribution made by the site?

To determine the environmental functions of the site Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Site Analysis Purpose and Importance

The primary purpose of site analysis is to evaluate a site's opportunities and constraints in the site design process.
A thorough evaluation of the site is often discounted in the planning process due to time and budget constraints.
Discovering site limitations after design or in construction can lead to costly revisions, delays, or even project abandonment.

Value of Site Analysis

A comprehensive site analysis provides valuable information for site design, reducing the risk of errors and costly changes.
Site analysis is considered a critical first step in planning and designing a site, as it informs the design process and ensures a successful project.

Site Analysis Purposes

Site analysis purposes include identifying site opportunities and constraints, assessing site conditions, and informing the design process.

Aerial Photography

Photography firms may be reluctant to enlarge photographs for site planners due to concerns about image quality and distortion.
The most accurate part of a photograph is the center, with distortion increasing towards the edges.
Enlarged aerial photographs are valuable for site planners, as they provide detailed information about site conditions and features.
The curvature of the lens affects the photograph, causing distortion and inaccuracy at the edges.

Site Analysis Tools and Methods

Slope analysis is used to evaluate site topography and identify potential drainage or erosion issues.
A soil survey provides information about soil type, composition, and potential limitations.
Building orientation is important to consider, as it affects energy efficiency, daylighting, and views.
The USGS provides information about topography, hydrology, and geology through various sources, including the USGS topographic maps.
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map considers the average annual extreme minimum temperature in an area.

Challenges and Considerations

Developing sites in low or flat areas can be challenging due to drainage and flooding issues.
The USGS provides information about natural disasters through the Center for Integration of Natural Disaster Information (CINDI).
Aspect is an important consideration in site planning, as it affects microclimate, soil erosion, and vegetation growth.
FEMA's website provides information about flood zones, flood insurance, and disaster mitigation.

Vegetation and Ecology

An assessment of existing vegetation is important for site analysis, as it provides information about site conditions and potential ecological constraints.
The presence of water-tolerant plant species indicates a site with wet or flooded conditions.
A designer should consult local or state sources prior to making a site visit to gather information about local regulations and site conditions.

Tree Evaluation and Aerial Photogrammetry

James Urban's tree evaluation methodology primarily focuses on tree size, species, and condition.
Aerial photogrammetry provides accurate and detailed information about site topography and features.
The primary benefit of aerial photogrammetry is its ability to provide detailed information about site conditions and features.
Aerial photography can only be collected during winter months in some areas, due to leaf cover and vegetation.

Existing Aerial Photography and ASTM Standards

Existing aerial photography provides valuable information about site conditions and features for site designers.
ASTM D5518-94e1 provides guidance on the acquisition and analysis of aerial photography.
Many private firms have access to aerial photography databases, which can be used for site analysis.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Guide for Acquisition provides guidance on the acquisition and analysis of aerial photography.

Limitations and Considerations

A limitation of photogrammetry is that it can only be used in areas with suitable weather conditions and lack of vegetation.
The first consideration of the site analysis is the proposal phase, which is critical in determining the project's feasibility.
The typical concerns for commercial projects in terms of site location include accessibility, visibility, and environmental factors.
A site characterization includes information about site conditions, topography, and features.
Site analyses are usually conducted in two steps, including a preliminary analysis and a detailed analysis.
A valuable source of topographic information for site analysis is the USGS topographic maps.
It is essential to have a clear understanding of the contribution made by the site to ensure a successful project.

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Description

Test your knowledge about site analysis and planning, including topics such as contour intervals, preliminary site analysis, earthwork, retaining walls, access points, and visibility from adjacent roads.