Rainwater and drainage
If the plot has a documented drainage or flooding issue, provide that history during the survey rather than choosing a surface on appearance alone.
Why it matters for your tarmac surfacing: Show the direction of falls, where water gathers and every visible channel, gully or discharge point. For tarmac surfacing, it can affect excavation, compaction, course depths, drainage, edge support and the handover programme.
Useful photograph: the area after rain, including low points and drainage features.