A geotechnical desktop study is a preliminary review of existing information to understand subsurface conditions before any fieldwork begins. It helps identify potential constraints, guide investigation planning, and provide early context for design decisions.

We will review the following to assist with providing preliminary geotechnical recommendations:

• Historical Aerial Photographs: These are used to assess past land use, site modifications, vegetation changes, and signs of previous development or disturbance.
• Geology Maps: Provide regional and site-specific geological context, including soil types, bedrock formations, and fault zones.
• BC Water Well Data (from iMapBC): Offers insight into groundwater levels, aquifer characteristics, and seasonal fluctuations that may affect construction or long-term site performance.
• Old Foundation Drawings: Useful for understanding previous structural layouts, foundation types, and potential buried obstructions.
• Geotechnical Reports by Others: Past investigations can offer valuable data such as borehole logs, lab results, and engineering recommendations relevant to the current site.
• Google Historical Street View: Helps visualize surface changes over time, including grading, erosion, and construction activity.
• Seismic hazard: In Canada, the NRCan seismic hazard calculator can be used to determine the Uniform Hazard Spectrum for seismic design.
• Publicly available geotechnical information
• Flood mapping

This type of study doesn’t replace field investigations, but it helps refine their scope and focus. It’s especially useful for identifying areas of concern early in the process and making informed decisions about next steps.