Subject Code & Name: AR25405 – Site Surveying and Planning
Regulation: R-2025
Semester: IV (Fourth Semester)
Branch: B. Arch. (Arch)
Credits / L-T-P: 4 Credits | L-T-P: 1-0-3
Course Objectives
- To inform about the ways in which the characteristics of sites can be understood.
- To enable an understanding of the macro and micro impact of buildings on it.
- To give understanding of the potential/ limitations site offers to the design of buildings.
- To equip students with an understanding of key terminologies, techniques, and methodologies related to, site surveying, site analysis planning and integration of essential site services required for building development.
- To explore all the above through a project.
Full Unit-wise Syllabus
Unit I – Introduction to Site and Site Surveying
Definition of plot, site, land and region, units of measurements. Introduction to survey and need for surveying. Methods of surveying and context of use. Chain survey and Triangulation - instruments used, method of survey and plotting into survey drawing. Plain table, Compass and theodolite surveys - method, instruments used and application. Modern surveying Instruments such as Electronic Distance Measurement EDMs and Total Stations, Drone survey and their application. Understanding of administrative maps and site drawings, including FMB-Field Measurement Book. Introduction to measuring a site, drawing out a site plan from measurements and computing area by geometrical figures and other methods. Introduction to marking plans, layout plans and centre-line plans. Importance and procedure for making these drawings and dimensioning. Procedure and precautions of setting out a plan on site. Understanding the above through site visits to real projects.
Unit II – Site Context and Analysis
Detailed understanding of context of the Site -Context evaluation based on Physical factors- Climate, - Topography, Geotechnical, Utilities, Surrounding density, Morphology, Cultural Factor- Site history, Heritage and Imageability, Socio-Economic -land use ownership and control, economic value, Local bye law and regulation and other Codes Introduction to master plans, land use for cities, development control rules. Site selection criteria for different building typologies. Impact of building developments on the surroundings including aspects such as traffic, noise, pollution, microclimate, etc., especially in the context of large scale projects. Understanding the above through real projects/ case studies. Site as offering potential/ limitations to architectural design. Importance of site analysis. On site and off site factors. Analysis of natural, cultural and aesthetic factors. Factors to include topography, hydrology, soils, vegetation, climate and microclimate, surface drainage, accessibility, size and shape, infrastructure, sources of water supply and means of disposal system, visual aspects, context of built environment. Introduction to Site selection with detailed analysis involving aspects like soil types, contours, slope analysis, grading process, grading criteria, functional and aesthetic considerations. Maps of matrix analysis and composite analysis methods. Understanding the above through real projects/ case studies.
Unit III – Principles of Site Layout and Development
Organisation of pedestrian and vehicular circulation. Geometric calculation for movement. Types of roads, hierarchy of roads, networks, road widths and parking regulations. Principles of positive drainage and grading for drainage. Location and design of sewage treatment plants. Methods to control soil erosion. Location of utility lines to simplify maintenance. Planning for rain water harvesting. Incorporation of services such as electricity, drinking water pipelines, fire hydrants, communication and networking facilities at site. Vegetation, landforms and water as modifiers of microclimate. Understanding the above through real projects/ case studies.
Unit IV – Exercise in Site Surveying and Planning
Application of all the knowledge gained in previous units through a real/ hypothetical project involving a real site. The process would involve choosing site for a building typology or vice versa, field exercise in measuring and drawing the site, detailed site analysis, schematic site layout and development. The project will be explored through analysis/ models/ sketches/ drawings.
Course Outcomes (COs)
- CO1: Familiarity with aspects of tools, maps and site drawings.
- CO2: Ability to analyse site context and its parameters.
- CO3: Ability to perceive limits and potentials of site towards architectural design.
- CO4: Ability to apply principles of organizing functional elements in layout and sequence.
- CO5: Ability to apply factors of site development.
Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)
- Weightage: Continuous Internal Assessment: 50%, End Semester Examinations: 50%
- Internal methodology: Three Assessments with equal weightage. One Assessment as Internal written Test /Examination (33.33%), other two assessment (each assessment weightage - 33.33%) as continuous marking of the work and performance during the particular assessment period such as drawings, models, study, seminar, etc.,
Source: Official Anna University – B. Arch. R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: October 2026
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