SummaryLandscape information relevant to site description is discussed. It includes surface form (in plan and profile), micro‐relief, aspect, height above sea level, and relative relief of the site in the local setting. Techniques for description of surface form are described which require the recognition and mapping of breaks and changes of slope bounding morphological units of the landscape. These units consist of ‘flats’ and ‘slopes’ that make up the facets of the landscape and may possess characteristic angles. The regional setting of the site is described by morphological map, values for drainage density and stream frequency, location with respect to drainage lines of a particular order, and the directional pattern of facets. Methods for the record of surface profiles by observation and measurement of small‐scale morphological units are described. A slope classification appropriate to British conditions is