Site Inventory and Development Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the three main attributes that should be included in a site inventory?

Biological Attributes, Technical Attributes, Cultural Attributes

Physical Attributes, Economic Attributes, Environmental Attributes

Physical Attributes, Biological Attributes, Cultural Attributes (correct)

Cultural Attributes, Social Attributes, Spatial Attributes

Which of the following is NOT a sub-category under Physical Attributes?

Climate

Soils

Topography

Flora (correct)

What does the term 'Erodability' refer to within site attributes?

The bearing capacity of the soil

The stability of soil against erosion

The fertility level of the soil

The rate at which soil can become eroded (correct)

Why is an understanding of human behavior necessary during the site inventory process?

It informs decisions about future uses of land. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'Aquifer recharge areas' in the context of hydrology?

They are vital for replenishing groundwater supplies. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the 'Bearing Capacity' of soils?

The maximum load soil can support without failure Signup and view all the answers

Site development requires understanding the relationship between the site and which of the following?

Surrounding landscape Signup and view all the answers

Which attribute is related to evaluating the 'Stability' of soils?

The ability to support structures Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary effects of parcel size on development potential?

Larger sites can accommodate more diverse development. Signup and view all the answers

How does the shape of a site impact its development potential?

Compact shapes minimize edge-to-interior ratio. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of a high edge-to-interior ratio in relation to site development?

It increases the site's exposure to the landscape. Signup and view all the answers

What might a site located near a busy highway experience regarding development limitations?

Challenges in buffering undesirable noises. Signup and view all the answers

Why might zoning regulations impose building setbacks on a site?

To limit development within the area of the site. Signup and view all the answers

What is an implication of combining two contiguous parcels of land?

It can enhance overall site development potential. Signup and view all the answers

What should be evaluated when considering small or linear sites for development?

The immediate surroundings and context. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of linear sites regarding development feasibility?

They may incur high development costs due to restrictions. Signup and view all the answers

Which slope orientation is better suited for buildings incorporating solar heating in higher northern latitudes?

South-facing slopes Signup and view all the answers

What aspect classification is NOT typically included in topographical mapping?

Far East Signup and view all the answers

How does aspect influence microclimate?

By altering the level of solar radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT true about landform classification?

It only pertains to terrestrial environments Signup and view all the answers

What is surficial geology primarily concerned with?

The stability of materials beneath the surface Signup and view all the answers

What natural process involves rock fragmentation and weathering?

Soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor to investigate before excavation for building foundations?

Depth to bedrock Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence the distribution of plant and animal species?

Building materials Signup and view all the answers

How do different rates of weathering affect landforms?

They cause variations in soil depth Signup and view all the answers

How does the cost of excavating rock compare to that of excavating soil?

It is significantly higher than soil Signup and view all the answers

Which feature does a geologic map primarily indicate?

Age and distribution of rock layers Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon can significantly influence the depth of the water table in an area?

Groundwater pumping Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hazards is documented in a site inventory related to geological mapping?

Potential locations of earthquakes Signup and view all the answers

What does the hydrologic cycle primarily involve?

Water movement and distribution Signup and view all the answers

Which factor shapes drainage patterns in landscapes?

Topographic relief Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between groundwater and the surface terrain?

The water table mirrors the surface terrain. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is often the primary limiting factor for plant growth in arid landscapes?

Water availability Signup and view all the answers

What do increased rates of runoff typically lead to in urban environments?

Higher volumes of runoff discharges Signup and view all the answers

How does land development primarily affect surface water quality?

By introducing sediments and chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of urbanization on local hydrology?

Increased severity of flooding Signup and view all the answers

Which type of vegetation is particularly associated with continuous or seasonal saturation of soils?

Wetland vegetation Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical component of storm water management in land development?

Mitigating runoff impacts Signup and view all the answers

What risk is increased by site-disturbing activities during land development?

Increased flooding risks Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is being taken in areas previously considered unsuitable for wastewater treatment?

Implementation of highly engineered systems Signup and view all the answers

What does topography primarily involve?

The graphic delineation of natural and man-made features Signup and view all the answers

How does elevation affect a site's characteristics?

It impacts drainage patterns and visibility. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to visualize elevation data effectively for site planning?

Chloropleth maps Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in determining elevation classes for a chloropleth map?

Identifying the highest and lowest elevations Signup and view all the answers

What do slopes essentially represent in a geographical context?

The steepness of a line and geological processes acting on it Signup and view all the answers

In what way do steep slopes affect development in places like Hong Kong and San Francisco?

Development often occurs despite steep slopes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of each elevation class when the highest elevation is 1327 meters and the lowest is 832 meters, divided into 6 classes?

100 meters Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is important when creating a chloropleth map of elevation?

The map should contain relatively few classes of elevation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Site Attributes - Physical Attributes

Site attributes are a crucial initial step for understanding a site's characteristics
Include physical attributes like soils, topography, hydrology, geology, and climate
The three categories of site attributes are physical, biological, and cultural

Site Selection Process

The site selection process includes steps like clarifying project objectives and requirements, determining site selection criteria, gathering site data, evaluating suitability, ranking sites, and conducting a feasibility study
Site factors include size, cost, access, utilities, and physical constraints
Contextual factors involve transportation, market areas, political environments, and hazards

Site Inventory Overview

Site inventory is an essential step to understand the site's character, physical, biological, and cultural links
The inventory makes or includes an itemized record
This step is vital in understanding the site and surrounding landscape for any development plan

Sustainability Considerations

Sustainable design, development, and resource management are all essential aspects of creating a site plan
This involves understanding the natural and human systems and ensuring their continuation over time

Three (3) Site Attributes

Fundamental attributes are physical, biological, and cultural
These attributes encompass various factors crucial for site analysis

Physical Attributes

Physical attributes involve factors like soils, topography, hydrology, geology, and climate
Soils assess bearing capacity, stability, erodibility, and fertility
Topography includes elevation, slope, and surface drainage
Hydrology examines aquifer recharge areas and depth to seasonal water tables
Geology considers seismic hazards, depth to bedrock, and other factors like wind and solar access

Parcel Size and Shape

Land development and redevelopment occur across various scales
Commercial single-use projects typically require small sites (<1 acre), while large-scale residential projects might need 10+ acres
Larger sites can accommodate more extensive and diverse developments but may have challenges with site constraints
Parcel shape also plays a role: linear sites often have lower development potential and design flexibility compared to compact shapes

Parcel Size and Shape - Continued

The proportion of "edge" increases a site's exposure to surrounding landscapes
If a site is next to a busy highway, its small size can limit a planner's ability to buffer noise
Conversely, sites adjacent to natural amenities benefit from closer proximity, enhancing development potential

Topography- Elevation

Elevation refers to a place's height above a reference point
Site elevation influences drainage patterns and visibility
Variations in elevation on and around the site determine the extent of view sheds

Topography- Elevation- Mapping

Elevation data is displayed using contour lines on topographic maps, or a chloropleth map of elevations
The map needs a small number of elevation classes (e.g., 5-9) with suitable range
The range of existing elevations determines the elevation class range and enhances map effectiveness

Topography- Slope

Slope, also known as gradient, indicates how steep a line is
Slopes result from construction and destruction processes
Slopes of undeveloped sites reflect the local area's geological characteristics

Topography - Slope- Mapping

Slope gradients are commonly computed and mapped using GIS and CAD software
Different colors indicate different slope classes; this range is determined by factors such as intended uses, soil characteristics, and regulatory requirements

Topography - Aspect

Aspect refers to a slope's orientation or direction
Commonly identified by compass directions (e.g., north, northeast)
Aspect influences the amount of solar radiation received by the site

Topography - Aspect - Mapping

Aspect is generally categorized by 8 classifications (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW)
These are usually represented using color or shading to visualize the aspect's influence on the site's microclimate and solar radiation

Geology (Landform) Overview

Geology covers the study of Earth's structure, composition, and processes
Landforms, coupled with vegetation, shape view sheds and visibility
Soil formation, erosion, and deposition, alongside weathering, are natural processes
Depth-to-bedrock is a vital aspect of geological analysis in sites with excavation plans

Hydrology Overview

Hydrology entails understanding water movement, distribution, quality, resources, and related environmental sustainability
The hydrologic cycle involves processes like precipitation, infiltration, runoff, and storage
The water table, the upper surface of the saturated zone, often reflects the surface terrain

Hydrology- Mapping

Water movement, infiltration, storage, and discharge should be mapped to understand the physical attributes of a site
Hydrologic maps can be used to locate primary groundwater paths and discharge locations
Important for understanding groundwater, geological conditions, potential sources, and potential flood hazard areas

Additional Considerations

Site analysis involves considering immediate surroundings
Zoning regulations can restrict site development through various factors like building height and density
The three elements –geology, hydrology, and topography– are crucial for evaluating a site's suitability
Important to consider the depth-to-bedrock for excavation costs

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key attributes essential for site inventory in development. This quiz covers topics such as physical attributes, human behavior, hydrology, and soil stability. Enhance your understanding of how these factors influence site evaluation and planning.