Master of Landscape Architecture students at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) are getting firsthand experience with modern field documentation tools through the SiteMarker platform. 

“Using SiteMarker as a design tool can be groundbreaking for the profession, as it increases the accuracy of the site observations, as well as provides an opportunity to verify in the field products such as site analysis, concept design, master planning and beyond,” says Paul D. Kissinger, FASLA, PLA, lecturer in the Master of Landscape Architecture program at SEAS.

Kissinger, who is also CEO of Kissinger Design Inc., says his students are learning how to use SiteMarker for site inventory and analysis, masterplanning and schematic design, taking advantage of the software’s streamlined digital workflow capabilities and ability to geotag observations while on site. 

“SiteMarker improves the workflow of collecting information, increasing the accuracy of site observations, and will tremendously help the students' ability to familiarize themselves with a site,” says Kissinger. “Ultimately, the tool allows them to make much better ecological design decisions.”

Having a greater understanding of the ecology of the site, including drainage patterns, vegetation, habitat and many other factors, is essential to being the best professional landscape architects and stewards of the land, Kissinger explains. He says SiteMarker, which was originally intended for civil engineers and for documentation of construction-related activities in the field, gives SEAS students an edge, preparing them to understand industry best practices while equipping them with tools they will use in their professional careers. 

“SiteMarker takes the guesswork out of the landscape architect's location on a site and facilitates note-taking,” says Kissinger. “This ability to increase accuracy, establishing geo-located observations and photographs, will allow the students to better understand the relationship between a paper or electronic copy of a survey of existing conditions and the actual site conditions.” 

He adds that “walking” the proposed site solutions, in the moment with SiteMarker, will also help the landscape architects better understand their planning and design decisions.

While currently limited to those in the Site Planning and Design course, plans are underway to provide SiteMarker access to SEAS faculty, students and alumni, expanding opportunities to work with this technology.