This booklet, the first of a projected series related to the development of methodologies and techniques for environments planning and design, examines three approaches that are currently being used to identify, analyze, and evaluate the natural and man-made resources that comprise the physical environment. One approach by G. Angus Hills uses a physiographic classification of land into homogeneous units for potential use consideration. Also, it involves an evaluation of the physiographic classes on the basis of their potential for alternative and combined multiple uses under several management levels or conditions. The second approach by Philip H. Lewis stresses public awareness of the patterns, both natural and cultural, within the landscape. That is, to identify, preserve, protect, and enhance the most intrinsic values and see that introduced man-made values are developed in harmony with these quality resources. Ian McHarg's approach is in direct response to population growth and resulting development pressures. He theorizes that life processes are expressive, that the landscape reflects the interaction of a complex system of biological processes, and that these constitute natural determinants of land use, as limiting or liberating criteria for land-use planning. An outline, description, and summary of the analysis procedure is provided for each approach. (BL)