SITE EXAMPLES

ANALYSIS
TOPOGRAPHY 1.DEHRADUN
Topography is the graphic representation of an area’s surface features. It is
synonymous with landform or the shape of the ground. It may encompass mountains,
rolling hills, prairies, and plains, while at a different scale, it may include mounds,
ramps, berms, and even ripples in a sand dune.
It has great environmental significance, since it affects the aesthetic character of an
area, its microclimate, drainage, views, and the setting for structures. A topographic
map allows one to understand the pattern of the land, since it indicates slopes, ridges,
valleys, summits, stream beds, and drainage patterns. Topographic information
always influences and frequently determines site use, site circulation, and distribution
of utilities, placement of buildings, and the disposition of open spaces. Fig :- 1.1 Dehradun City (An Image)

It shows biophysical and cultural context of a community or region. the three fundamental Dehradun City is a good example for
landform components of topography are the elevation, slope, and aspect/drirection of slope. topography understanding, it is located
in hilly areas, has elevation( at a
CHECKLIST TO BE DONE FOR TOPOGRAPHIC STUDY varying height from 410 m (1,350 ft)
1. Elevations2. Slope amount and direction3. Unique above sea level), slope is high in the
landforms area.
4. Natural drainage patterns5. General topographic character Due to hilly terrain Dehradun city has
of site a natural drainage pattern with
6. Areas of steep slope7. Aspect and/or orientation of slopes sufficient gradients to drain off storm
8. Slope stability water easily in to the two main natural
drainage channels i.e. rivers Bindal and
Rispana
SITE
ANALYSIS
ELEVATIO
N
In site planning, elevation refers to the height of a building or structure relative to the
surrounding ground. Elevations are important in site planning because they can help
to determine the overall scale and massing of a development, as well as its impact on
the surrounding environment.

The elevation of Dehradun city varies from 410 meters (1,350 feet) in Clement Town
to above 700 meters (2,300 feet) at Malsi which is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the
city. However, the average elevation of Dehradun city is 450 meters (1,480 feet) Fig :- 1.2 Image of Dehradun and surrounding
above sea level, That means its elevation is high.

It is a significant factor in site planning. For example, if we are planning to build a high-
rise building, we will need to make sure that the foundation is strong enough to support
the weight of the building. We will also need to consider the wind load and the seismic
risk.

If we are planning to build a low-rise building, the elevation may not be as important.
However, we will still need to consider the slope of the land and the drainage
Fig :- 1.3 Housing of Dehradun
conditions. because of High Elevation

Here are some of the benefits of conducting an elevation study for site planning in Dehradun city:
1. It can help us to identify potential hazards, such as landslides and flooding.
2. It can help us to determine the best location for our development.
3. It can help us to design our development to minimize the impact on the environment.
4. It can help us to comply with environmental regulations.
SITE EXAMPLE
ANALYSIS S
SLOPE 1.Mussoorie

Slope in urban site planning is the angle of the ground surface relative to the
horizontal plane. It is an important factor to consider in urban site planning
because it can have a significant impact on the feasibility, type, cost, safety,
drainage, sunlight, and wind patterns of development.

Here are some key points to remember about slope in urban site planning:
Steep slopes can make it difficult and expensive to develop a site.
Steep slopes may only be suitable for certain types of development, such
as single-family homes or parks.
The cost of development can be significantly higher on steep slopes, due to
the need for grading, retaining walls, and other measures to stabilize the Fig :- 1.4 Image of Mussoorie,Dehradun
ground.
Steep slopes can be a safety hazard, especially during periods of heavy A slope study of Mussoorie was conducted by the
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) in
rainfall or snowmelt.
2022. The study found that 15% of Mussoorie and its
Steep slopes can lead to erosion and flooding. surroundings are highly susceptible to landslides. The
Steep slopes can block sunlight from reaching the site, which can have a study identified the following factors as contributing to
negative impact on vegetation and wildlife. slope instability in Mussoorie:
Steep slopes can create strong winds, which can be a safety hazard and can
also damage buildings and vegetation.
1. Steep slopes
2. Loose and weathered rocks
3. Heavy rainfall
4. Unplanned construction activities
SITE EXAMPLE
ANALYSIS S
1.Mussoorie
SLOPE ASPECT

Slope aspect is the orientation of a slope, measured clockwise in

degrees from 0 to 360, where 0 is north-facing, 90 is east-facing,
180 is south-facing, and 270 is west-facing.

Slope aspect can have a significant impact on the following:

1. The amount of sunlight that reaches a site: North-facing slopes

receive less sunlight than south-facing slopes, which can have a
negative impact on vegetation and wildlife.
2. The wind patterns on a site: North-facing slopes are more likely to
be sheltered from the wind, while south-facing slopes are more
likely to be exposed to the wind.
Fig :- 1.5 Image of Mussoorie and surrounding
3. The temperature of a site: North-facing slopes are cooler than south-
facing slopes. The slope aspect of Mussoorie is generally south-facing. This means
that the town receives more sunlight and heat from the south than
4. The drainage of a site: North-facing slopes are more likely to be dry from the north. The south-facing slopes are also more exposed to the
than south-facing slopes. monsoon rains, which can lead to landslides.

When considering the slope aspect of a site for development, it is
important to carefully evaluate the potential risks and benefits. In some
cases, the slope aspect may make a site unsuitable for development,
while in other cases, it may present opportunities for unique and
interesting development.
The geology of Mussoorie also contributes to its slope aspect. The
town is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, and the underlying
rocks are mostly limestone and shale. These rocks are easily eroded
by water and wind, which can lead to the formation of slopes.
EXAMPLE
S on a topographic map.
1.Mussoorie
The south-facing slopes are also the most prone to landslides. This is
because they are steeper and more exposed to the monsoon rains. The
town government has taken steps to mitigate the risk of landslides,
but these slopes are still considered to be the most dangerous in
Mussoorie.
The north-facing slopes of Mussoorie are less popular for
development, as they receive less sunlight and heat. However, these
slopes are less prone to landslides and are often used for agriculture.
The east-facing and west-facing slopes of Mussoorie are the least
developed slopes in the town. These slopes are gentle in slope and
receive the least amount of precipitation. They are often used for
grazing and forest conservation.
N
W E
S
Fig :- 1.6 (A&B) Image of Dehradun and surroundingShowing Sunpath
Elevations: Measure and map the vertical distances above sea level for
various points on the site. This data is typically presented as contour lines
Slope Amount and Direction: Determine the steepness of slopes at
different locations and their directions (e.g., north-facing, south-facing).
This helps in understanding water flow, vegetation distribution, and
potential development constraints.
Unique Landforms: Identify and document distinctive landforms like
ridges, valleys, cliffs, plateaus, and other prominent features.
Understanding these formations can aid in making informed decisions
during development.
Natural Drainage Patterns: Observe and map the natural flow of water
across the site. Identify water bodies, streams, rivers, and potential
drainage pathways. This information is crucial for stormwater management
and flood risk assessment.
General Topographic Character of Site: Assess and describe the overall
topography of the area, including its overall shape, relief, and predominant
land uses.
Areas of Steep Slope: Identify areas with significant slope gradients, as
these may require special engineering considerations or be unsuitable for
certain types of development.
Aspect and/or Orientation of Slopes: Record the direction that slopes
face (e.g., north, south, east, west). This information is vital for
understanding microclimates and vegetation distribution.
Slope Stability: Evaluate the stability of slopes, especially in areas with
steep gradients or potential geotechnical issues. This assessment helps in
identifying potential landslide or erosion-prone areas.