Desk studies comprise the collation and review of information already available about a site, and is carried out at an early stage of site appraisal to inform and guide the rest of the site investigation. These reports are invaluable in assessing the requirements of a ground investigation from both the geotechnical and environmental perspectives.

The key to any appropriately designed and thus most cost-efficient ground investigation is having a clear understanding of the historical land uses both on the development site and within the close environs.

Our desk studies include a walkover survey for visual inspection of the site and its environs. This helps us understand the site before the actual ground investigation works and in preparation of a features and constraints map for the site.

The key data obtained from desk studies includes:

• Geological setting at and around the site
• Existing data from previous investigations
• Site history
• Aerial photographs
• Terrain assessment