higher geography map skills

slope advantages

Flat land makes it easier to build on and also cheaper for construction. It also allows for future expansion without the high costs of ground expansion.

slope disadvantages

steep land means that there will have to be a significant ground evacuation during construction, increasing costs and the complexity of engineering

drainage advantages

There are no existing floodplains/rivers/marshes in the area, meaning site drainage will be good and reducing construction costs and the likelihood of flooding.

drainage disadvantages

Being situated on a floodplain, close to existing rivers or marshland shows that the area is poorly drained. This will need to have expensive draining systems or flood preventions having to be put into place.

greenfield site advantages

- no buildings or existing development have to be cleared, saving on relocation and construction costs.

- the cost of the land is cheaper due to the land being on the outskirts of town.

- there is less likely to be problems such as congestion due to the distance to the CBD.

greenfield site disadvantages

- planning permission may be less likely to be given as a result of farmer ownership

- Valuable farmland and recreational space lost as the development may reduce access to green spaces eg parks and local walks, which local people or tourists could have used for recreation.

- Development causes noise and light pollution.

- Wildlife and their habitats lost through the removal of vegetation for example areas of forestry, marshland or farmland.

- Encourages further suburban sprawl.

brownfield site advantages

- a derelict or abandoned area is given a new lease of life.

- the development may improve an inner city area and encourage more developments. this could improve the local economy and provide employment opportunities.

brownfield site disadvantages

- Often more expensive as old building has to be cleared.

- Sometimes surrounded by run down areas so are not appealing to wealthier.

- Higher levels of pollution.

- contaminated land can significantly increase construction costs.

- May not have good access by road.

transport links advantages

- good transport links (eg. roads, railway, bus, airports) means it is easy to allow access for materials for construction and for commuters, customers in the long run.

- good public transport links (eg. railways stations) which may appeal to a wide range of home buyers who may not wish to rely on a car for transport.

transport links disadvantages

- few transport links in the local area means that people have to rely heavily on cars.

- the route crosses main roads/motorways, which will increase the cost as many bridges and tunnels will be required

- routes may be closed, which causes disruption

- the route crosses waterways, which will increase costs.

leisure facilities advantages

- there are close by leisure facilities (eg. national parks, parks, leisure centres) so families can access them locally

leisure facilities disadvantages

- by building on this land, areas such as forestry may mean that animal habitats are destroyed.

services advantages

- being close to existing services (education, healthcare, leisure centres etc) means that no further new facilities will need to be built

services disadvantages

- services can close if the development is in direct competition

visual pollution advantages

- the development is far from existing residential areas, those used for recreation or will be screened by trees/hills, decreasing the opportunity for visual pollution to be worsened.

visual pollution disadvantages

- the development will be seen from a wide variety of areas, and especially during construction.

- local people or tourists may be upset with their view being spoiled, particularly if its of rural areas.

noise pollution advantages

- the site is close to other sources of noise pollution (eg. industry, railways) so there are likely to be fewer objections from local residents.

- the development is far from residential areas so there is no risk of noise pollution.

noise pollution disadvantages

- the site is close to residential areas that could be disturbed by the construction noise of the development

- the site is close to other sources of noise pollution (eg industry, railways) so house prices will be lowered in the area.

farmland advantages

- additional income for farmers due to selling their land, renting their land or being able to provide additional services depending on the development.

farmland disadvantages

- farms will lose land to the construction. this can have a negative impact on their ability to keep enough livestock/ crops in order to be profitable.

- some farms will completely disappear meaning farmers will lose their way of life.

local businesses advantages

- residents and businesses in surrounding areas can benefit from the new development due to the multiplier effect.

- more customers for local businesses ( tourists, residents, workers etc) could provide more stable year round or improved income

local businesses disadvantages

- developments can discourage people from the local area due to visual/noise pollution, meaning local businesses will lose out.

- by-pass / new road layout can take passing trade away from small villages.

econony advantages

- creates many jobs and generates money for the economy

economy disadvantages

- area loses money due to negative impact of the development

demand advantages

- increasing population or employment opportunities may create a demand for jobs and housings.

demand disadvantages

- there is likely to be little demand for the development.