LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE
MAPPING
SITE ANALYSIS
CHECKLIST
Landscape Architecture Mapping and Site Analysis Checklist
01 - General Site Information 04 - Access & Circulation
Geographic location (coordinates, address) Pedestrian pathways (existing and proposed)
Site boundaries and total area Vehicular access (maintenance, emergency
Historical land use and cultural significance routes)
Current site condition (photographs, notes) Public transit proximity (bus stops, bike lanes)
Climate zone and seasonal weather patterns ADA compliance and universal design consider-
ations
02 - Legal & Regulatory Constraints 05 - Topography & Hydrology
Zoning designations and land use regulations Elevation changes
Conservation areas (SSSI, AONB, TPOs) (slope analysis, contour lines)
Easements, covenants, or rights of way Drainage patterns (flood zones, erosion risks)
Environmental protection laws (protected Existing water bodies
species, habitats) (ponds, streams, wetlands)
Previous permits, violations, Stormwater management opportunities (rain
or planning denials gardens, swales)
03 - Adjacent Land Uses & Context 06 - Soil & Geology
Neighboring properties Soil type and composition (sand, clay, loam)
(residential, commercial, industrial) Soil pH and nutrient levels (testing results)
Impact of adjacent activities Contamination risks (previous industrial use)
(noise, pollution, shade) Geological stability
Local architectural/landscape style (landslide risks, bedrock depth)
(vernacular materials, patterns)
Views into/out of the site
(privacy needs, focal points)
Landscape Architecture Mapping and Site Analysis Checklist
07 - Vegetation Analysis 11 - Existing Infrastructure & Utilities
Existing plant species Irrigation systems (condition, efficiency)
(trees, shrubs, groundcover) Underground utilities (gas, water, electrical)
Invasive species or diseased vegetation Hardscape materials (paths, walls, seating)
Vegetation marked for preservation/removal Proximity to power sources for lighting/
Root protection zones and canopy spread features
08 - Ecological Considerations 12 - Cultural & Historical Features
Wildlife habitats (nesting sites, corridors) Heritage elements (monuments, artifacts)
Protected species (birds, amphibians, flora) Indigenous or community cultural signifi-
Biodiversity enhancement opportunities cance
Impact of design on local ecosystems Historical landscape patterns
Local traditions influencing plant selection
09 - Climate & Microclimate 13 - Hazards & Environmental Risks
Sun path analysis (shade/sunlight zones) Flood-prone areas (FEMA maps)
Prevailing wind direction and intensity Soil erosion or subsidence risks
Frost pockets or heat islands Pollution sources (air, water, noise)
Rainfall patterns and microclimate varia- Hazardous materials
tions
10 - Views & Visual Impact 14 - Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Scenic vistas to preserve or enhance Rainwater harvesting potential
Undesirable views to screen (e.g., utilities) Native/adaptive plant species selection
Seasonal changes in landscape aesthetics Sustainable material sourcing
Nighttime lighting requirements/impacts (local, recycled)
Carbon footprint reduction strategies
Mastering Mapping
Techniques for Architectural Site Analysis
Online Course
Openstreetmap illustrator
This course teaches essential mapping techniques for architecture, landscape architecture, and urban
design. Learn how to extract data from open-source platforms, organize mapping layers, and create
diverse site analysis diagrams. Through practical demonstrations, you’ll develop skills in visualizing site
conditions, analyzing environmental factors, and enhancing your design presentations with effective
mapping strategies.
From beginner to advanced
Enroll Now