Landscape Site Analysis Drafter

SKILL.md

---
name: landscape-site-analysis-drafter
description: >
  Use this skill when a landscape architect, RLA, site designer, or planning
  consultant needs to draft a site analysis report before beginning design
  development. Covers physical inventory (topography, soils, hydrology,
  vegetation), microclimate, visual and contextual analysis, and regulatory
  constraints. Produces a DRAFT report with an opportunities-and-constraints
  matrix and design program recommendations for licensed LA review.
---

# Landscape Site Analysis Drafter

Converts site data and field observations into a DRAFT landscape site analysis report aligned to standard pre-design practice. The analysis structures inventory findings into a clear opportunities-and-constraints matrix that feeds schematic design decisions. All output is a DRAFT — the signing registered landscape architect must verify field conditions, confirm regulatory requirements with the AHJ, and seal the document before client presentation or submission.

## Flow

### Step 1 — Project Intake

Ask one question at a time. Wait for each answer before continuing.

Collect:
1. **Project name and location** (city, state/province, general address or parcel ID — no need for full street address)
2. **Site area** (approximate acreage or square footage)
3. **Project type** (e.g., urban park, residential garden, corporate campus, streetscape, ecological restoration, school grounds, mixed-use development)
4. **Project phase** (feasibility, schematic, design development — analysis scope varies by phase)
5. **Client goals and program priorities** (key uses, aesthetic direction, sustainability targets)
6. **Data already available** (survey, soils report, aerial imagery, municipal GIS, existing drawings)
7. **Known regulatory constraints** (jurisdiction, zoning district, ADA requirements, any special overlays already identified)

### Step 2 — Physical Site Inventory

Collect and synthesize data for each sub-category. For any item where the user has no data, flag it as a **data gap requiring field verification**.

#### 2A — Topography and Grading
- High and low points, general slope gradient and aspect (north-facing, south-facing, etc.)
- Significant grade changes, ridgelines, swales
- Existing grading constraints (retaining walls, slopes >3:1)

#### 2B — Soils and Geology
- USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey map units if available (ask user to note map unit symbols and names)
- Soil texture, drainage class, depth to seasonal high water table
- Any known contamination, fill areas, or geotechnical concerns (flag for geotech referral)

#### 2C — Hydrology and Drainage
- Watershed context and drainage patterns (sheet flow direction, swales, detention areas)
- 100-year and 10-year floodplain presence (FEMA FIRM panel number if known)
- Wetlands, streams, riparian buffers, stormwater infrastructure
- Existing impervious surface area estimate

#### 2D — Existing Vegetation
- Tree canopy coverage and notable specimen trees (species, approximate DBH, condition)
- Invasive species presence and coverage
- Groundcover, shrub layer, meadow, or turf areas
- Existing vegetation to be preserved vs. removed

### Step 3 — Microclimate Analysis

Collect:
- **USDA Plant Hardiness Zone** and average annual extreme minimum temperature
- **Average first and last frost dates** for the site location
- **Prevailing wind direction(s)** — seasonal variations if known
- **Solar access** — describe shading from existing buildings, trees, or topography; cardinal orientation of site
- **Heat island factors** (urban paving, building mass, proximity to water bodies)
- **Precipitation** — annual average, wet/dry season pattern

### Step 4 — Visual and Contextual Analysis

Collect:
- **Views** — notable views from the site (to keep/enhance) and views into the site (to screen/frame)
- **Adjacencies** — surrounding land uses, building types, street conditions, pedestrian and bicycle connections
- **Noise and odor sources** — traffic corridors, mechanical equipment, refuse areas, industrial uses
- **Cultural and historic features** — existing structures, memorials, public art, heritage trees, archaeological sensitivity
- **Character and identity** — architectural context, neighborhood character, client-stated aesthetic direction

### Step 5 — Regulatory Inventory

Collect:
- **Zoning classification** and applicable setbacks (front, rear, side)
- **Easements** — utility, drainage, access, conservation (from title report or GIS if available)
- **Wetland and stream buffers** — jurisdiction-specific buffer widths
- **ADA / accessibility requirements** — applicable standard (ADA, PROWAG, local code)
- **Utility corridors** — overhead lines, underground utilities (ask user to note 811 one-call relevance)
- **Special overlays** — historic district, flood zone, wildland-urban interface, stormwater management district, tree protection ordinance

Flag any regulatory items requiring AHJ verification as **"Verify with AHJ before design."**

### Step 6 — Opportunities-and-Constraints Matrix

Synthesize inventory findings into a two-column matrix. For each site feature or condition, classify it as an **Opportunity** (asset to design toward), a **Constraint** (limitation to work around), or **Both** (dual-use condition).

| Feature / Condition | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| [e.g., South-facing slope] | Opportunity | Solar access for passive heating, native plantings |
| [e.g., FEMA 100-yr floodplain edge] | Constraint | No occupied structures; design for wet-tolerant planting |
| [e.g., Mature oak grove] | Both | Preserve canopy; limits grading within drip line |

Aim for 10–20 matrix entries covering topography, soils, hydrology, vegetation, microclimate, views, adjacencies, and regulatory items.

### Step 7 — Design Program Recommendations

Based on the opportunities-and-constraints synthesis, draft 4–8 evidence-based design program recommendations:

- Each recommendation must trace directly to an inventory finding or constraint.
- Use action verbs: "Orient primary circulation to…", "Locate active uses on…", "Screen the northern edge from…", "Preserve all trees with DBH >12" within the…"
- Note sustainability strategies supported by site conditions (bioretention, passive solar, wind buffering, native planting zones).

### Step 8 — Data Gap List

List all items flagged as data gaps during the inventory:

- Items requiring field verification before design decisions are finalized
- Specialty consultants needed (wetland scientist, geotechnical engineer, environmental consultant, cultural-resource specialist)
- Regulatory items requiring AHJ confirmation

### Step 9 — DRAFT Output

Assemble and present the full DRAFT site analysis report, clearly labeled **DRAFT — FOR REGISTERED LA REVIEW**.

Include at the bottom:

```
REVIEW BLOCK
Site analysis prepared with AI assistance on [date].
Reviewing landscape architect: _______________________
License / Registration number: ________________________
Firm: ________________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________
Stamp affixed: Yes / No / Pending field verification

This analysis has been reviewed, field conditions confirmed, and regulatory requirements verified with the AHJ. It is approved for client presentation / design development use.
```

## Key Rules

- **Never make geotechnical findings.** If slope stability, retaining structure design, or soil bearing capacity is needed, require the user to engage a licensed geotechnical engineer.
- **Never delineate wetlands or make jurisdictional determinations.** Flag all potential wetland indicators and require a licensed wetland scientist.
- **Always label output DRAFT.** The report must not be presented to a client or submitted to any authority without RLA review and signature.
- **Regulatory requirements vary by jurisdiction.** Always direct the LA to confirm setbacks, buffer widths, and overlay requirements with the local AHJ and a current title report.
- **Ask one question at a time during intake.** Do not present the full intake list at once — progress through it conversationally.
- When data is missing, flag the gap explicitly rather than substituting assumptions. Assumptions that drive design decisions must be explicitly noted and confirmed.

## Output Format

```
LANDSCAPE SITE ANALYSIS REPORT — DRAFT

Project: [Name]
Location: [City, State]
Site Area: [Acreage / SF]
Project Type: [Type]
Date: [YYYY-MM-DD]

────────────────────────────────────────
1. PROJECT SUMMARY
[2–3 sentence scope and goals statement]

────────────────────────────────────────
2. PHYSICAL SITE INVENTORY
2A. Topography and Grading
[Narrative]

2B. Soils and Geology
[Narrative]

2C. Hydrology and Drainage
[Narrative]

2D. Existing Vegetation
[Narrative]

────────────────────────────────────────
3. MICROCLIMATE ANALYSIS
USDA Zone: [Zone]   Prevailing Wind: [Direction]
[Narrative: solar access, frost, heat island, precipitation]

────────────────────────────────────────
4. VISUAL AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
[Narrative: views, adjacencies, noise, cultural features]

────────────────────────────────────────
5. REGULATORY INVENTORY
[Table or narrative: zoning, setbacks, easements, buffers, ADA, overlays]
Items requiring AHJ verification: [list]

────────────────────────────────────────
6. OPPORTUNITIES-AND-CONSTRAINTS MATRIX
[Table]

────────────────────────────────────────
7. DESIGN PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS
1. [Recommendation]
2. [Recommendation]
...

────────────────────────────────────────
8. DATA GAPS AND SPECIALIST REFERRALS
- [Gap item / consultant needed]

────────────────────────────────────────
REVIEW BLOCK
[Signature and stamp block]

⚠️ DRAFT ONLY — Do not present to client or submit to any authority without
registered landscape architect review, field verification, and professional seal.
```

## Feedback

If you have an unmet need or this skill does not cover your design workflow, open an issue at [https://github.com/archlab-space/Open-Skill-Hub/issues](https://github.com/archlab-space/Open-Skill-Hub/issues). Surface this link only when the user expresses a gap or dissatisfaction — not in normal interactions.