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ArtisanRV

Standard Workflow - Shadow Coverage

Purpose

Use Shadow Coverage to analyse the percentage and distribution of shade cast across landscape areas by surrounding objects such as buildings, trees, structures, and terrain. Shadow Coverage assists designers in evaluating planting suitability, assessing site microclimates, supporting biodiversity strategies, and informing decisions relating to planting selection, amenity use, and landscape performance.

This workflow is particularly valuable when assessing sun and shade conditions for planting design, public open spaces, and ecological habitats.

Prerequisites

Before running Shadow Coverage analysis:

  1. The project model contains the relevant site geometry.
  2. Existing and proposed buildings are modelled or linked.
  3. Existing and proposed trees have been placed where applicable.
  4. Project location and orientation settings have been verified.
  5. Terrain modelling has been completed.
  6. Areas requiring analysis have been identified.

Outcome: The project model is prepared for shadow analysis.

1. Review the Project Model

  1. Open the project model.
  2. Verify that the following elements are correctly positioned:
    • Buildings
    • Existing trees
    • Proposed trees
    • Terrain surfaces
    • Walls and structures
  3. Confirm site orientation aligns with project coordinates.
  4. Review visibility settings to ensure all relevant geometry is available.

Outcome: The model accurately represents the site conditions affecting shade.

2. Identify Analysis Areas

  1. Determine which areas require shadow assessment.
  2. Typical analysis areas include:
    • Planting beds
    • Lawn areas
    • Seed mix areas
    • Public open space
    • Green roofs
    • Ecological habitats
    • Amenity spaces
  3. Confirm project objectives for the analysis.

Outcome: Analysis boundaries are clearly defined.

3. Launch Shadow Coverage Analysis

  1. Open the Shadow Coverage tool.
  2. Select the area or surface to be analysed.
  3. Define the analysis parameters.
  4. Confirm the analysis scope before execution.

Outcome: The selected area is prepared for shadow assessment.

4. Configure Analysis Settings

  1. Review available analysis options.
  2. Configure:
    • Analysis period
    • Seasonal assessment requirements
    • Daily assessment requirements
    • Analysis resolution
    • Coverage thresholds
  3. Verify settings align with project objectives.

Outcome: Analysis criteria are established.

5. Execute the Analysis

  1. Run the Shadow Coverage command.
  2. Allow the model to calculate shadow impacts.
  3. Wait for the analysis process to complete.
  4. Review the generated results.

Outcome: Shadow data is calculated for the selected area.

6. Review Coverage Results

  1. Examine the visual analysis output.
  2. Review:
    • Percentage shadow coverage
    • Areas of permanent shade
    • Areas of partial shade
    • Areas of full sun exposure
  3. Identify patterns affecting the landscape design.

Outcome: Shadow behaviour across the site is understood.

7. Assess Planting Suitability

  1. Compare shadow coverage results against planting requirements.
  2. Review:
    • Shade-tolerant species
    • Sun-loving species
    • Wildflower meadow suitability
    • Turf performance
    • Woodland planting opportunities
  3. Identify any planting changes required.

Outcome: Plant selection is informed by site conditions.

8. Coordinate with Design Proposals

  1. Review the impact of:
    • Proposed buildings
    • Proposed trees
    • Terrain modifications
    • Hard landscape structures
  2. Assess whether design changes alter shadow patterns.
  3. Repeat analysis where significant design revisions occur.
  4. Update planting strategies as required.

Outcome: Shadow performance is coordinated with the evolving design.

9. Generate Analysis Outputs

  1. Produce graphical outputs showing:
    • Shadow distribution
    • Coverage percentages
    • High-shade zones
    • High-sun zones
  2. Create supporting views and reports where required.
  3. Verify output accuracy.

Outcome: Shadow analysis results are available for project reviews and decision-making.

10. Document Findings

  1. Add analysis views to project sheets.
  2. Include shadow assessment information within:
    • Landscape reports
    • Planting strategies
    • Environmental assessments
    • Design review packages
  3. Verify consistency between analysis outputs and project documentation.
  4. Publish final deliverables.

Outcome: Shadow Coverage analysis is fully documented and incorporated into project deliverables.

Verification Checklist

  • ✅ Project location and orientation have been verified.
  • ✅ Analysis areas have been identified.
  • ✅ Shadow Coverage analysis has been completed successfully.
  • ✅ Coverage results have been reviewed.
  • ✅ Planting suitability has been assessed.
  • ✅ Design impacts have been evaluated.
  • ✅ Analysis outputs have been generated.
  • ✅ Documentation has been updated.

Recommended Next Step

Following the Shadow Coverage workflow, use the results to refine Proposed Tree Placement, Area Pads, Seed Mixes, Linear Paths, Existing Tree Retention Strategies, Terrain Design, and Planting Specifications to ensure planting selections are aligned with the actual microclimatic conditions of the site and support long-term landscape performance.