CLA Site Analysis & Planning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which map scale is most appropriate for a detailed site analysis of a 5-acre urban park?
- 1:2,000 (Correct answer)
- 1:24,000
- 1:100,000
- 1:250,000
Correct answer: 1:2,000
A 1:2,000 scale provides sufficient detail for a small urban site, allowing accurate measurement of features like paths, trees, and structures.
Question 2: A sun/shade analysis of a site should account for solar angles at which times of year?
- Summer and winter solstices only
- Spring equinox only
- Solstices and equinoxes (Correct answer)
- Only the summer solstice
Correct answer: Solstices and equinoxes
Analyzing both solstices and equinoxes captures the full range of solar angles, providing a comprehensive picture of sun and shade patterns across seasons.
Question 3: In site analysis, a 'viewshed' analysis helps determine:
- Stormwater runoff direction
- Areas visible from a specific vantage point (Correct answer)
- Soil permeability zones
- Existing utility easements
Correct answer: Areas visible from a specific vantage point
A viewshed analysis identifies all areas visible from a given point, which is critical for planning views, screening, and visual impact assessment.
Question 4: When analyzing a site for invasive species, which document is most useful as a regulatory reference?
- The local zoning ordinance
- State or federal invasive species lists (Correct answer)
- The USDA soil survey
- ASCE 7 loading standards
Correct answer: State or federal invasive species lists
State or federal invasive species lists identify regulated plants that must be addressed during site analysis and remediation planning.
Question 5: A landscape architect notices the prevailing wind on-site comes from the southwest at 15 mph. To reduce wind exposure at an outdoor seating area, the most effective planting would be placed:
- Northeast of the seating area
- Southwest of the seating area (Correct answer)
- Directly above on a trellis
- Southeast of the seating area
Correct answer: Southwest of the seating area
A windbreak planted on the windward (southwest) side intercepts wind before it reaches the seating area, providing the most effective protection.
Question 6: Which of the following is a primary goal of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)?
- Soil compaction testing
- Identifying potential or existing environmental contamination (Correct answer)
- Measuring impervious surface coverage
- Documenting existing vegetation density
Correct answer: Identifying potential or existing environmental contamination
A Phase I ESA is conducted to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) such as past chemical spills or underground storage tanks on a site.
Question 7: During site inventory, 'cultural features' typically refer to:
- Topographic contours
- Human-made elements like roads, structures, and utilities (Correct answer)
- Native plant communities
- Watershed boundaries
Correct answer: Human-made elements like roads, structures, and utilities
Cultural features are human-made elements documented during site inventory, distinguishing them from natural features like soils and vegetation.
CLA Site Analysis & Planning 2
Which map scale is most appropriate for a detailed site analysis of a 5-acre urban park?