3 replies to this topic

[Chris Robinson]

I know where to set the location in longitude and latutude, as well as the date and time of day, but I am not clear on where to set the actual orientation of the home other than on the site plan. Does that information transfer to the model?

 

 

 

[Harlon Suttle]

After you get the project's North Axis aligned correctly in SITE mode, then the study can proceed....also, if you use SU, there are several great tools that go deep into the capabilities ....SP can only do a Vid, but does not have a graphical representation for studying....also, NASA use to have some good info as well as companies that sell Solar Panel Syatems.....and if ya export the model into a SU format, TWINMOTION can import the SU version of your model and has tremendous capabilities with the ability of showing trees growth and different seasonal affects when there are deciduous trees that are on the site....

[Harlon Suttle]

Also, use Google Earth to get very accurate Lat/Long info and then in the options while in 3d set the site's Lat/Long info to the Site's position and you are go to go.

[Jon Churchill]

Chris, We often have to do shadow diagrams. Here is a typical statement from a council to one of our SoftPlan users.

"Overshadowing diagram required to confirm that there is an area of at least 6.0m2, with a minimum dimension of 2.0m, that has access to direct sunlight at 12pm on the equinox. Please include the shadow cast by proposed fencing. This is required for this lot as well as adjoining existing lots."

 

Many councils will ask for summer and winter solstice as well as equinox drawings at 9:am, 1:pm and 3:pm.

 

There are some basic requirements to create an accurate shadow diagram.

1, Direction of North is most important as this affects the sun position.
Direction of North is set in Site Mode. Or in Project options.

( Australia use 360° not 4 quadrants of 90°)

 

2, Latitude and Longitude. This positions the dwelling in the correct location in the world.
Also the Time Zone must be set according to your position.
This can be set in the Project Options > Sun Options or in Sun Options in SoftView.
Use the Select City button to select a location close to your Project.
If you want a more accurate location use Google Maps to locate the values.

 

3, You must use Custom Lighting (Direct X 11) and not Auto Light Sources (Direct X 12)
Custom light sources allow the sun to reposition as the date and time are altered.


Now to generate a shadow diagram.
One form of diagram is using a top ( downwards ) elevation, as this can be saved as a SoftPlan drawing.

The advantage of this is dimensions and areas can be measured.

 

The down side of using a Top Elevation is that it will only generate the current Project ( what ever is in the Model)

So if you need to show the shading effect of the property next door you need to draw it in the same Project.

You can not generate a top elevation if using Neighbourhood Mode.

However Neighbourhood will create images.

When saving the drawing select Auto Paint and Save Sun Shadow Paint.

 

Hope this helps.

Jon

Attached Files

•  Direction Of North.png   3.88KB   1 downloads
•  Latitude and Longitude.png   15.28KB   1 downloads
•  Auto Paint.png   18.76KB   1 downloads
•  Shadow Drawing.png   38.58KB   1 downloads