windshield survey

[wind-sheeld sur-vey, win-]

noun

1. an assessment of something in a community, such as housing, infrastructure, or proximity to hospitals, that is made quickly by driving through the assessment area.

   A windshield survey can be done relatively easily and inexpensively, but can’t capture much detail.

   The advocacy group did a windshield survey of the city to determine how many unhoused people were sleeping on the streets.

Word History and Origins

Origin of windshield survey¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Most local officials have not done anything more than “windshield surveys,” as Victoria Mayor Paul Polasek described driving around to look at some damage from the street.

Read more on Washington Times

The Transportation Department’s street assessment unit has six inspectors who document road imperfections by conducting a “windshield survey” from their cars.

Read more on New York Times