Site investigation is the process of assessing ground conditions, typically prior to site development, in order to provide a rationale for the efficient design and construction of substructures (foundations etc.), but also to assess the implications relating to ground quality (contamination aspects), normally with respect to future inhabitation or business use.  It is also used as a means of assessing future development options, providing a base line for land value, or for the purposes of appraisal of wider environmental issues.  It is typically conducted in a series of stages, with one or more of these phases appropriate to a given project.  Ordinarily the extent of the work required will be directly related to the quality of the ground conditions present, and their appropriateness given the development proposals and/or nature of the project, however will also be influenced by a range of factors including site size, development history and local land use characteristics.