Part 2: Surveying
3. Site survey and analysis
A site survey and analysis should be completed before a design is attempted.
Once your site survey is complete you will use this information to inform your design process. If this step is not carried out properly, your design will not function properly when it is built.
The site survey and analysis should include:
| Element | Example(s) |
|---|---|
| Information about aspect | A north point and a note of which areas are sunny and which are shady at different times of day to allow planning for seating areas |
| Ground conditions in each area | Boggy areas which may require drainage, soil pH and soil type |
| Views from the garden – both good and bad | Is the garden overlooked by neighbours, are there any eye sores which will need to be screened, are there any good views which should be kept? |
| A list of features which are to be kept and any relevant info for them |
"Large oak tree (root zone must be protected from compaction during build." "Manhole cover for access to septic tank (must be left accessible, perhaps in planting or gravel area)." "Wheelie bins need to be kept here, so they are close to the door and front gate." "Shed should be kept, and will need a path to access bikes from the back gate." "Rodding point for drains must be kept accessible." |
| Measurements | All the measurements for the boundaries, existing features which are to be kept and levels |
There are several techniques that can be used to survey a garden, some of which are described in the following pages. Don’t worry too much about which method to use if you find it confusing, the best thing to do is to go out into the garden with a tape measure and start practicing.
Tip: There are many useful videos online which describe survey methods if you want to try out some different techniques.