A Geotechnical Report is a tool used to convey the features of the soil and rock materials on and underlying a site. Where underlying soil and rock materials are described this information is usually gained from subsurface ground testing taken at points spaced across the site. To an extent a Geotechnical Report is an interpretive document as the information gained from the test points is used to build a picture of the subsurface conditions across the whole site. The report provides design parameters  for the soil and rock materials found on the site. These parameters are usually used in footing design, retaining wall design and to determine the procedures required to safely carry out excavation. The report will also consider ground water conditions and its implications. Furthermore a Geotechnical Report describes and assesses the existing and potential hazards that could arise from slope instability and the hazards that could arise during the construction process at the earthworks stage. It also provides solutions to limit these hazards to acceptable risk levels.

In summary a Geotechnical report can be described as: 1. A summary of all ground related data both surface and subsurface.2. An interpretation and analysis of this data.3. A provision of site specific soil and rock engineering properties for design.4. An assessment of potential ground related hazards on the site and solutions to reduce these hazards.