Permaculture Site Analysis Checklist pdf

 

Walk through a practical, step-by-step permaculture site-analysis checklist that helps you read land, map water flow, test soils, and plan productive zones. Whether you’re starting a small garden or redesigning a whole property, this guide breaks complex ideas into clear actions you can do with maps, simple tools & a little observation.

Table Of Contents

• Site goals and context
• Mapping and data collection
• Checklists & PDF template
• Implementation planning and monitoring
• Tools, resources & further reading
• Conclusion
• Related Posts
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Key Takeaways

• Site analysis starts with mapping water flow, contours, sun, wind, soils and plants — most design choices come from this
• Make a simple base map, take soil tests, note microclimates and photos, mark GPS points for follow-up.
• Prioritize quick wins: fix water on the land first, build soil next, then plant guilds and food forests
• Our expertise: Permaculture Assistant helps you design resilient gardens with field-tested guides, interactive tools, a glossary and quizzes — covers food forests, water, soil and guilds
• Turn your notes into a small PDF checklist for the field, add simple timelines, costs and a monitoring log; review each season

Site goals and context

Purpose and scale

• State the primary purpose of the site (food forest, market garden, water catchment demonstration, wildlife corridor).
• Define scale: total hectares or square meters, usable area, slopeable area.
• List primary outputs you want: vegetables, fruit, timber, fodder, water storage, education use.

Step-by-step: 1. Write a one-sentence mission for the property. 2. Break that into measurable objectives (kg/year, number of people fed, liters of water captured). 3. Add one short line about maintenance capacity (hours/week available).

Legal and zoning constraints

• Note easements, setbacks, floodplain rules, protected trees, irrigation rights.
• Record local building codes that affect hardscaping and earthworks.

How to capture:

• Check local council maps and take screenshots.
• File scanned PDFs of permits with the checklist.

Climate zone, desired yields and social needs

• Record climate classification (Köppen or local).
• Note frost dates, rainfall averages, growing season length.
• Include social needs: how many people served, educational programming, community access.

Quick steps: 1. Get local climate normals (met office or local weather station). 2. Set target yields per crop or per bed. 3. Match yield targets to household or market needs.

Quick wins and long-term goals

• Quick wins: mulching, composting, rain barrels, raised beds, basic fencing.
• Long-term: swales, ponds, orchard establishment, access road changes, soil rebuilding projects.

Create two lists in the document: Immediate (0–6 months) and Strategic (1–10 years).

Mapping and data collection

Base map and property info

• Create or obtain a base map with property lines, north arrow and scale.
• Include owner, address, coordinates, parcel ID.

How-to: 1. Export a screenshot from Google Earth with the property boundary. 2. Import to a simple editor (Google Docs, Canva, QGIS) and add labels. 3. Save as high-res image for the PDF.

Contour and slope

• Determine slope direction and gradient; contour lines guide water movement and swale placement.

Step-by-step field method: 1. Use a clinometer or digital app to measure slope at representative points. 2. Walk the site along equal elevation and mark spots for contours. 3. Draw contours on the base map; mark steep zones (>15%) separately. Tools: hand level, laser level, smartphone clinometer app.

Hydrology (drainage, floodlines)

• Map all water: gutters, downpipes, drainage paths, seasonal streams, standing water, floodlines.
• Note existing hard surfaces and infiltration zones.

Quick field checks:

• After rain, walk the site and mark where water gathers and how long it sits.
• Identify high-energy runoff paths and potential pond sites.

Soil tests and texture

• Collect representative samples by horizon (top 0–15 cm, subsoil 15–30 cm).
• Run simple in-field tests: ribbon test for texture, jar test for infiltration and settling, pH strips for acidity.

Record:

• Soil texture, color, organic matter estimate, compaction, presence of rock.
• Keep lab results (NPK, organic matter, contaminants) scanned into the PDF.

Tip: Label each sample, note GPS point, and take a photo.

Microclimates, wind and sun paths

• Map shade patterns, reflected heat from structures, cold pockets and warm spots.
• Record dominant winds (seasonal) and severe wind events.

How-to: 1. Use a sun path app or Google Earth solar overlay for seasonal sun lines. 2. Walk site early morning, midday, late afternoon to note shade. 3. Mark wind-exposed areas for windbreak planning.

Vegetation and access routes

• Inventory existing trees, shrubs, pasture, weeds and invasive species.
• Note vehicle routes, gates, and informal footpaths.
• Photograph key species and tag on map.

Field workflow:

• Do a plant walk with a clipboard: list species, health, spacing, and potential use (food, nitrogen fixer, timber).
• Use simple codes (T=tree, S=shrub, G=groundcover).

Use aerials (Google Earth) and local maps

• Use aerial layers for context: nearby water bodies, roads, neighboring land use.
• Export overlays and add them to your base map.

Step-by-step for Google Earth: 1. Center on the property, set date of imagery if needed. 2. Add boundary polygon and save as KML for later use. 3. Screenshot high-resolution aerials and note scale bar.

Checklists & PDF template

What to include on a permaculture site analysis checklist pdf

Essential contents:

• Property header: name, address, owner, coordinates, date of survey.
• Zone map and sector map (wind, sun, fire, pests).
• Base map with contours, water lines and access.
• Soil lab results and field texture notes.
• Photos with captions and point reference.
• Vegetation inventory and invasive species list.
• Action priorities: immediate, seasonal, long term.
• Recommended interventions (swales, terraces, ponds, plant guilds).
• Materials list, estimated costs and labor.
• Monitoring log templates and a revision history.

Suggested page order for the PDF: 1. Cover page: site name, photo, date. 2. Quick summary and goals page. 3. Map suite: base map, contour map, sector map. 4. Soils and hydrology. 5. Vegetation and access. 6. Actions and timelines. 7. Appendices: lab reports, permits, photos.

How to assemble in Google Docs or Canva and export to PDF

Google Docs (simple, repeatable): 1. Create a new Doc with page size set to A4 or Letter. 2. Insert the cover photo and add a header with property info. 3. Use tables to align text and images; import maps as images. 4. Paste lab report snippets and append full PDFs as links. 5. Export: File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf).

Canva (visual, templated): 1. Start a new document, choose A4/Letter. 2. Use a two-column layout for maps and notes. 3. Upload aerials, maps and photos; drag and drop. 4. Use consistent fonts and color palette for clarity. 5. Download > PDF Print (for highest quality) or standard PDF.

Step-by-step tips:

• Keep each map on its own page with north arrow and scale.
• Label photos with location and camera heading.
• Use captions, not long paragraphs; readers scan the checklist.

Checklist example (quick copy into your template):

• Property header complete — yes/no
• Base map present — yes/no
• Contours drawn — yes/no
• Soil samples labeled — yes/no
• Photos included — yes/no
• Action list prioritized — yes/no
• PDF exported with revision date — yes/no

Implementation planning and monitoring

Prioritise interventions

• Rank actions by risk reduction, cost, time to benefit, and maintenance load.

Simple scoring:

• Assign 1–5 for impact, 1–5 for cost, 1–5 for maintenance. Priority = high impact, low cost, low maintenance.
• Quick wins get a separate color tag on the action list.

Timeline, materials list and cost estimates

• Create a Gantt-style timeline by season and year.
• For each intervention list:

- Materials (volume of mulch, timber, pipe length), - Tools needed, - Labor hours estimate, - Approximate cost. How-to: 1. Break bigger projects into phases (site prep, earthworks, planting, mulching). 2. Source local suppliers and note unit prices. 3. Add contingency (10–20%) for earthworks.

Monitoring logs & update checklist after each season

• Use simple logs:

- Date, observer, location, what was planted or built, performance notes, pests/diseases, rainfall events.

• Schedule seasonal reviews: spring, midsummer, autumn, winter.
• Update the PDF: change status flags, append new photos, add lessons learned.

Monitoring template (example fields):

• Date | Observer | Location | Action | Outcome | Notes | Next review
• Make one table per major zone.

Tools, resources & further reading

Mapping and soil data

• Google Earth for aerials and overlays (export KML to trace boundaries).
• Desktop GIS (QGIS) for more exact contouring and layering (steeper learning curve).
• Local soil surveys and lab services for nutrient and contaminant info.
• Useful external sites (refer to them directly):

- Permaculture Research Institute (design articles and case studies) - USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey — for US soil maps and data - FAO Soils Portal — global soil reference and guidance

Permaculture theory and examples

• Use design principles and guild ideas from permaculture guides and case studies.
• For local techniques and practical guides check garden-focused posts such as Permaculture Gardening and broader design notes at Permaculture Design. For applied yield-focused techniques see Permaculture Gardening: Sustainable Techniques for Abundant Yields.

Comparative table: mapping tools at a glance

| Tool | Best for | Ease of use | Export options | |---|---:|---:|---| | Google Earth | Quick aerials, screenshots, KML export | Easy | KML, images (PNG) | | QGIS | Layered analysis, contours, precise maps | Moderate to steep | Shapefiles, GeoTIFF, PDF | | Mobile clinometer apps | Quick slope measures in field | Very easy | Value notes, screenshots |

Helpful templates and formats to include in your PDF:

• One-page site summary (A4)
• Zone map (full page)
• Soil sample log (table)
• Action priority matrix (color-coded)
• Seasonal monitoring checklist

Practical tips for a usable PDF:

• Make the first two pages a quick-action summary for contractors or volunteers.
• Keep maps simple; avoid cluttering with too many symbols.
• Use high-contrast colors for sector diagrams (wind, sun, fire).
• Version control: add a revision date and version number on each export.

References and further links (not linked in the PDF)

• Permaculture Research Institute — practical guides and examples.
• USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey — soil mapping and reports.
• FAO Soils Portal — global soil resources.
• Google Earth — aerial imagery and export tools.
• Canva and Google Docs — for assembling and exporting the final checklist PDF.

Conclusion

A quick recap: use the site-analysis checklist to map contours, record soils, water flow, sun and winds, take photos & make a base map. Key points: prioritize soil and water, keep clear notes, make a simple PDF. For next steps, do a soil test, make a map, review seasonally — and use Permaculture Assistant to design resilient gardens with field-tested guides, interactive tools, a glossary and quizzesfood forests, water, soil, and guilds.

Related Posts

• Permaculture Design: Sustainable Solutions for Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a permaculture site analysis checklist pdf and why should I use one?

A permaculture site analysis checklist pdf is a printable list that helps you record things like sun, wind, water flow, soil tests, access and existing plants. Use it to make clear decisions, keep notes on visits, and share plans with helpers—simple, reliable and handy when you’re actually on the land.

How do I make a permaculture site analysis checklist pdf step by step?

Start with a base map (sketch or Google Earth screenshot), then add zones, contours, water features, trees, access and microclimates. Do quick soil tests & take photos with GPS. Put items into a document (try Google Docs or Canva), add checkboxes and export as PDF. Keep it short so you’ll actually use it in the field.

What key items must be on a permaculture site analysis checklist pdf?

Include property info, date and weather, map & scale, sun paths, prevailing winds, contour lines and drainage, soil type and test results, vegetation inventory, existing water systems, access and gates, hazards and neighbors, priorities and immediate actions. Simple headings with checkboxes make it fast to fill out.

Can a permaculture site analysis checklist pdf work for small urban gardens?

Yes, adapt the same checklist to scale—focus on microclimates, container soils, shade patterns, water capture on balconies and nearby resources. Zones are smaller but still useful. The PDF helps you track seasonal changes, even for a tiny yard or roof garden.

How does Permaculture Assistant support my permaculture site analysis checklist pdf work?

Permaculture Assistant helps you design resilient gardens with field-tested guides, interactive tools, a glossary and quizzesfood forests, water, soil, and guilds — it gives step-by-step references, templates and learning modules so your checklist matches proven practices. Visit Permaculture Assistant (https://www.permacultureassistant.org/) to tie your PDF checklist to guides and examples.