Site analysis checklist
| Aspect | What to record | How to show it |
|---|---|---|
| Location and context | City, ward, landmarks, land use around the site | Key plan, figure-ground, land-use map |
| Climate | Climate zone, temperature, rainfall, humidity | Climate chart; India has five NBC climate zones |
| Sun path | Sun angles in summer and winter, shadow of neighbours | Sun-path diagram on the site plan |
| Wind | Prevailing wind direction by season | Wind rose and arrows |
| Topography and soil | Levels, slope, drainage, soil type | Contour plan, sections through the site |
| Access | Roads, widths, traffic, public transport, pedestrian routes | Access diagram, road sections |
| Views and noise | Good views to keep, bad views and noise to screen | Arrows and zones on the plan |
| Existing features | Trees, structures, water bodies, heritage | Annotated site photos and survey plan |
| Services | Water, drainage, electricity, storm water | Services overlay |
| Bye-laws | FSI, setbacks, ground coverage, height, parking | Buildable-envelope diagram; in Maharashtra UDCPR |
Inferences and SWOT
- Strengths: what the site offers, such as a good view, wide road or mature trees
- Weaknesses: limits such as noise, west exposure or a narrow frontage
- Opportunities: what the design can do, such as a courtyard facing the breeze
- Threats: risks such as flooding or future development next door
- End every analysis sheet with three to five design decisions that follow from it
How to lay out the site analysis sheet
- Title, location map and key plan along the top
- Large site plan in the centre with sun path, wind and access layered on it
- Photographs with arrows to where they were taken
- Climate data and sections along one side
- SWOT and inferences at the bottom right, where jurors finish reading
FAQs
What is the difference between site analysis and site planning?
Site analysis studies the existing conditions of a site; site planning is the design response, placing buildings, roads, open spaces and services based on that analysis.
How many sheets should the site analysis take?
One to two A1 sheets for a studio project and two to three for a thesis, plus photographs. Clear inferences matter more than the number of diagrams.
Which software is used for site analysis diagrams?
Google Earth and city maps for context, AutoCAD for the base plan, Rhino with Ladybug or SketchUp for sun and shadow studies, and Photoshop or Illustrator for the final diagrams.
Can Project Buddyy help with site analysis?
Yes. We guide the site study, diagrams and sheet composition for studio and thesis projects; see <a href="/architecture-thesis-help">architecture thesis help</a>.
Last reviewed: 2026-11-03. Always follow the format your own department gives you.