Site analysis is an elemental phase of construction. You need it to asses if the site you have chosen for your project is ideal for all the structures and installations that you would like to put up. In a broader context, you can define site analysis as a preliminary stage in urban and architectural planning used for assessing the geographical, climatic, legal and infrastructural attributes of site. For this process to be compressive, the assessors must look at various elements thoroughly to point out areas where weaknesses may lie. On that note, here is a discussion of the major elements of site analysis to help you gain insight:

Sensory Elements

Sensory elements in site analysis are the intangible aspects of a site. You cannot touch or see some of them but you can feel their effects. Information regarding the sensory elements of a site is gathered through experience. Experts might have to camp on the site, set up equipment or and carry out additional data collection when assessing the sensory elements of the site and the impact they have on the conditions of the site. In doing this, they also rely on direct observation of smoke, pollutants, odours and noise levels before they can come up with a report regarding the sensory elements.

Size and Zoning Element 

Size and zoning is another element of site analysis. The essence is to locate the boundaries of the site through physical verification of the dimensions or looking up old records kept by the lands department of the local authorities. Through zoning, you will be able to identify the specific ways allowances and limitations that you should adhere to when working on your project.  This includes building height restrictions, set-backs, uses, parking lot provisions and the maximum site coverage of the structures you are setting up. The size and zoning element produces a zoning map detailing all the special requirements and details of your site.

Legal Element

The legal element touches on the information contained in the title deed of the site. It outlines the description of the property, property owner and current ownership, form of ownership, and the jurisdiction of the government with respect to that site. For instance, will the site be subject to government interests for use as public property?

Location Element

Location is another important element. It details the context of the site with respect to other major features in the area including natural features, streets, major roads and overall neighbourhood.