Sector Analysis

Maximizing the potential of your landscape

Sector analysis is a design tool used in to assess the external forces and influences that affect a specific piece of land. It involves observing and analyzing the patterns of sun, wind, water, wildlife, human access, noise, and other factors that interact with the site. Sector analysis is used to create designs that utilise these external forces, ultimately resulting in a more sustainable and resilient system.

What is Sector Analysis?

Sectors are the uncontrolled influences that we have to consider in our farm design.
The term sector analysis refers to any natural or uncontrolled influence that moves upon or through your site. Through sector analysis, you can anticipate, map and enact design decisions that will mediate, mitigate, and improve how those uncontrolled influences affect your site.
External forces are placed on a map for clarity and relationship. Determining the lay of the land as regards the source and direction of features and seasonal events.

Identify Sectors and their relationships

A short list is:

Wind speed and direction rose by season
- Hot Winds
- Cold winds
- Wet winds
- Dry winds
Precipitation type, quantity and direction rose by season
Sun angles – sunrise, noon and sunset for each solstice and equinox
Microclimates
Cold air flow and pooling
Fire risk direction
Flood area
Frost area
Soil
- Wet or waterlogged
- Dry
View
- Pleasant
- Unpleasant
Smell
- Pleasant
- Unpleasant
Noise
Privacy
Access for human, animal and wildlife

Gather Information about Each Sector

Collect data and observations about each sector. This can include weather patterns, seasonal changes, soil quality, human and animal activity, and more.

Analyze the Information and Identify Patterns and Trends

Look for patterns and trends in the data you have collected. This can include identifying areas of high and low productivity, as well as potential challenges and opportunities.

Use the Analysis to Inform Permaculture Design Decisions

Once you have analyzed the data, use this information to inform design decisions. For example, if you identify an area of high wind exposure, you may choose to plant windbreaks or select plants that can tolerate windy conditions.

Benefits of Permaculture Sector Analysis

Incorporating Permaculture sector analysis into your design process can offer numerous benefits, including:

Increased Productivity

By designing your site to take advantage of natural resources and minimize the impact of limiting factors, you can maximize productivity and yield.

Resilience

By designing with an understanding of natural and social patterns, you can create a more resilient system that is better able to withstand environmental and social stresses.

Resource Efficiency

By using resources more efficiently and reducing waste, you can minimize your environmental impact and save money.

Improved Social and Ecological Functioning

By designing with consideration for social and ecological patterns, you can create a landscape that is not only productive but also supports biodiversity, wildlife, and human well-being.

Holistic Design

Permaculture sector analysis encourages a holistic approach to design, considering the interrelationships between various elements on the landscape. This can lead to more integrated and harmonious design solutions.

In Summary

Sector analysis is a powerful tool for designing productive, resilient, and sustainable landscapes. By analyzing the natural and social forces that impact a site, designers can make informed decisions that maximize the potential of the landscape while minimizing its impact on the environment.

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