Site Analysis Research.

All data found online.
Will post source links later.

Natural Physical Features.
Most of this information will be derived from the topographic features on the site. A contour map of this magnitude can be located from the survey engineer. Drainage problems as well as existing natural features of trees, ground cover, ground texture, and soil conditions on the site should be directly observed.

Sensory.
Much of the sensory information collected will be done through first hand experience. This type of information is obtained from sketching and photographs (sometimes aerial photographs). Direct observation of other sensory elements of noise, odors, smoke, and pollutant areas must also be completed.

Human and Cultural.
This information can be obtained through census statistics on the neighborhood. Information regarding these statistics is available from the local municipal planning agency. This information includes activities among people on the site and their relationships to these activities.

Climate.
This information can be obtained through the local weather service. Conditions such as rainfall, snowfall, humidity, and temperature over months must be considered and analyzed. The sun-path and vertical sun angles throughout an entire year are important to note.

Physiography - The physical features of geography (site).
Hydrology - Water movement on the site.
Sensory Stimuli - Anything that stimulates the senses.
Evapotranspiration - Vegetation pulling water up from the ground and evaporating it through its leaves, thus cooling the surrounding air.
Prerequisite - Required beforehand.


Site analysis.
Site analysis is a predesign research activity which focuses on existing and potential conditions on and around the building site. It is an inventory of the site factors and forces, and how they coexist and interact. The purpose of the analysis is to provide thorough information about the site assets and liabilities prior to starting the design process. Only in this way can concepts be developed that incorporate meaningful responses to the external conditions of the site.
The typical site analysis includes the site location and size, neighborhood context, zoning, legal aspects, geology, physiography (natural and man-made features), hydrology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, climate, culture, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, access, utilities, historic factors, density, sensory stimuli, and any other factor deemed appropriate for the particular site.

All the factors needed for a complete site analysis can generally be categorized into aesthetic, cultural, and natural forces. Aesthetics has to do with what the person who will live on the site thinks is beautiful (the designer has the responsibility to educate the client to possibilities); culture is the background of the people living in the area; and the natural factors are the background of the environmental elements. For the purpose of energy-efficient design, natural factors need to be investigated and understood. The natural factors which are most important for thermal comfort in this analysis can be listed under climate and microclimate.