Access comes first
You need enough space to stand and work behind the colony, remove boxes safely and carry equipment in and out. Think about muddy winter access as well as a pleasant summer afternoon.
Manage flight paths
Use position, fencing or planting to encourage bees to rise above head height where appropriate. Avoid pointing entrances directly across doors, paths or areas people regularly use.
Consider neighbours and livestock
Good relationships matter. Discuss likely concerns, water sources, swarm management and access. A technically possible site is not always a socially sensible apiary.
Sun, shelter and damp
A site with reasonable shelter and morning sun can be helpful, but local conditions differ. Avoid persistently wet ground and places where the hive could become unstable.
Keep exact locations private
HiveIQ is designed to store apiary locations privately by default. Public Hive Passport information is a separate controlled layer and should not expose a sensitive apiary position.