How do you use site analysis data to design landscapes?

1 Identify the goals and objectives

Before you start collecting and analyzing data, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your landscape design. What are the needs and preferences of the clients, users, and stakeholders? What are the functional and aesthetic requirements of the project? What are the environmental and social impacts of your design? How do you measure the success of your design? These questions will help you define the goals and objectives of your landscape design, and guide your data collection and analysis.

2 Gather relevant data

Gathering data to inform your project is dependent on its scale, scope, and context. Common sources include site surveys and maps that provide information about the location, size, shape, topography, orientation, boundaries, and existing features. Soil and hydrology tests reveal characteristics and conditions of the soil and water on the site. Climate and microclimate data show patterns of temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, solar radiation, and air quality. Vegetation and wildlife surveys identify types of plants and animals on the site as well as their ecological roles. Lastly, cultural and historical data indicate human influences on the site such as land use, ownership, zoning, regulations, heritage, traditions, aesthetics, and preferences. You can use various tools or methods such as GPS systems, GIS systems, drones or laser scanners to collect accurate data; laboratory or field methods for soil and water tests; weather stations or online databases for climate data; field observation or remote sensing for vegetation surveys; interviews or documents for cultural information; or visit the site for a more detailed assessment.

3 Analyze and synthesize data

Once you have gathered enough data, it's time to analyze and synthesize it to extract meaningful and useful information for your design. Mapping and diagramming are visual tools that can be used to organize, display, and communicate data. SWOT analysis is a strategic tool that evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the site and your design. Conceptual design is a creative process that generates and tests different design ideas based on the data analysis and synthesis. You can use sketches, models, or simulations to explore and visualize various design alternatives. This will help you compare their feasibility, suitability, and desirability.

4 Apply and refine design

After selecting a design concept that meets your goals and objectives, you need to apply and refine it to create a final landscape design. This includes developing a master plan that outlines the vision, principles, and guidelines of your landscape design, as well as the details of the site layout. Implementing the design involves constructing and installing it on the site, while evaluating and monitoring it requires assessing its performance and impact. It is also necessary to maintain and adapt your design over time, performing regular maintenance tasks and adapting it to changing needs. Site analysis data can be used to create landscapes that are responsive, resilient, and relevant to the site and its context. By using this data in landscape design, you can enhance functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, as well as meet the expectations of clients, users, and stakeholders.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?