Site maps are a series of maps that are provided to give information on the location of a proposed site. After the site selection has been completed, it is necessary to show the site location. There are two types of site maps which are:
• Site Location Map
• Site Vicinity Map
Site Location Map
This is a site map that shows the location of the proposed site. For the purpose of school, this is done in a blow-out format. That simply means that the maps start off from the map of a bigger location which might be a continent or a country, then you move on to the state where the site is located, then the local government area, then the site neighborhood, and finally, narrowing down to the site. For example, you start off from the map of Africa, then the map of Nigeria, then the map of Kano state, then to Gwale LGA, then to Sharada and finally the proposed site. The easiest way of drawing these maps is using Google Earth. It gives you an aerial view of any location which makes it easier for you to sketch it on paper.
Site Vicinity Map
From the name, this is a map showing the proposed site and its surroundings. This may also be known as Site Coverage or Site Inventory Map. This map is important because it helps you identify important features around your site which may later affect your decisions when it comes to site zoning. A vicinity map helps to point out accessibility routes, sources of noise, supporting facilities, etc. These factors help you communicate why some design decisions were made. Basically, a site vicinity map is a supporting step of other steps within the preliminary design steps like site selection criteria, site analysis or site zoning.
Site maps should be done with good graphics and should look as pleasing as possible. Always consult your lecturers before trying something new. Stay tuned for the next episode and thank you for reading!
(NOTE: My designs were done before the establishing of Quif Studio. These current blog posts are written in line with research, my experience and through consultations. Any mistakes, omissions etc. that have been noticed in my designs, were made a few years ago. The sole purpose of sharing them is to give you an idea of what each and every step should look like)
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