Sun Path Ultimate.
SOTA_ENGINE_V4.0 // AOS_READY
Site Assessment.
Your currently modeled site obstructs ~100.0% of the sky vault.
What is Sun Path Diagram & Solar Analysis?
How to Read a Sun Path Diagram
The diagram works like a flattened dome of the sky. The center represents the Zenith (directly overhead), and the outer circle represents the Horizon.
- Curved Lines (Date Lines): Each curve traces the sun's path for a specific day. The highest curve corresponds to the Summer Solstice (longest day), and the lowest curve is the Winter Solstice (shortest day).
- Vertical/Radial Lines (Hour Lines): These figure-8 loops (Analemmas) or curves connect the sun's position at the same solar time across different days of the year.
- Concentric Circles: Represent Altitude (elevation angle) in degrees. The horizon is 0°, and the center is 90°.
- Radial Angles: Represent Azimuth (compass direction). 0° is North, 90° East, 180° South, 270° West.
Key Solar Terminology
Altitude (Elevation)
The vertical angle of the sun above the horizon. 0° means the sun is on the horizon (sunrise/sunset), and 90° means it is directly overhead (zenith).
Azimuth
The horizontal compass direction of the sun. Measured clockwise from North (0°). East is 90°, South is 180°, West is 270°.
Solar Noon
The moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky for the day. This rarely coincides with 12:00 PM clock time due to longitude and Equation of Time adjustments.
Solstices & Equinoxes
Summer Solstice: Highest sun path, longest day. Winter Solstice: Lowest sun path, shortest day. Equinoxes: Sun rises exactly East and sets exactly West.
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How to Perform Solar Analysis
Step-by-step instructions to use the Sun Path Diagram for site analysis and shading studies.
Set Location
Select Date and Time
Analyze Day Paths
Upload 3D Context (Optional)
Common Questions
1Why does the sun path look like a figure-8?
2How accurate is this tool?
3What is the difference between Stereographic and Orthographic projections?
4How do I use this for Shading Analysis?
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