Current problems and their context should be described. The existing situation should be analysed and compared with the goals and objectives. Problems on infrastructure networks need to be identified before the causes and effects of these problems can be analysed. This consists of making meaningful observations about system issues or making sense out of the data displayed in foundation studies on development trends, demographic forecasts, land use requirements, infrastructure systems, feasibility studies, and pre-appraisal reports.
This stage should involve the systematic mapping and quantification of problems. It requires the objective and data-rich identification of deficiencies with the condition and operation of our infrastructure networks and the services they support. Critically, this stage calls on proponents to identify how those problems and deficiencies might hinder the achievement of the goals and objectives set out in Stage 1.