The guide deals primarily with the process of bringing together certain fundamental data pertaining to various physical aspects of the environment. The list of environmental aspects included here does not profess to be all-inclusive but encompasses those categories where obvious and direct hazard to health has been widely recognized. Emphasis has been given to the evaluation of health-related utilities and services that readily lend themselves to long-range planning such as water, sewerage, solid wastes, air pollution, and housing programs. Health department inspectional services are covered in an organizational sense, and reference is made to existing rating schedules for a number of these vital services.