light analysis

[eoghan]

HI, bit of a problem here! A client is looking for a light analysis done (i.e. how shadows will fall on existing structures from a proposed structure) on a fairly big project and we've never done one before - i was wondering how you go about even starting something like this!!!

[STRAT]

Hi Eoghan, only 1 thread needed please, not 3

 

it's a fairly simple affair. you need to model up the existing and proposed and put in a sunlight system with raytraced shadows.

[IC]

All you need is some survey information and some building heights (which you might have to guess from a site visit).

 

And, North is a crucial piece of info for aligning the model with the sunlight system.

[eoghan]

sorry about the numerous threads-wasn't sure what subject it came under and was in a bit of a panic there for a while! - i have the phyical data such as sight survey etc. - but is there more to it such as taking light readings on or anything. or is it as straight forward as getting everything lined up

[Fernando Lino]

I did shadow studies before for city and neighborhood meetings....they don't have to be fancy(GI and full textured) Sketchup is enough....usually the city wants to know how much shadow the new proposal is casting over the surrounding building and usually they like the information from (6:00am to 6pm...1 hr increment) 1 day in winter and summer.

 

as IC said...be very carefully with your North.

[eoghan]

thanks fernando- i think i thought(!) that i'd nee a lot more surveying/light capturing information than i actually do. hopefully once i get my long/lat nth/sth orientations right the software should do the rest. thanks to everyone for your help!