In landscape planning, what element serves as a baseline inventory of existing features?

In landscape planning, what element serves as a baseline inventory of existing features?

• A. A planting plan
• B. A maintenance schedule
• C. A base plan
• D. A drainage report

Answer: (C)

Capturing current site conditions in a single scaled drawing provides the baseline for landscape planning. This base plan records existing features—topography, buildings, utilities, trees, drives, and other landscape elements—so designers have a clear snapshot to reference as they develop changes. It supports evaluating constraints, estimating impacts, and coordinating future work, such as where to place new planting or how grading and drainage will be addressed. A planting plan focuses on future vegetation layout, a maintenance schedule outlines ongoing care tasks, and a drainage report analyzes water flow and drainage issues rather than serving as a snapshot of existing features.

Capturing current site conditions in a single scaled drawing provides the baseline for landscape planning. This base plan records existing features—topography, buildings, utilities, trees, drives, and other landscape elements—so designers have a clear snapshot to reference as they develop changes. It supports evaluating constraints, estimating impacts, and coordinating future work, such as where to place new planting or how grading and drainage will be addressed. A planting plan focuses on future vegetation layout, a maintenance schedule outlines ongoing care tasks, and a drainage report analyzes water flow and drainage issues rather than serving as a snapshot of existing features.