8.1 Calculation Zones

Calculation Zones can be lighting-based (Illuminance The area density of the luminous flux incident on a surface., Luminance The area density of the luminous flux leaving a surface through a given solid angle., etc) or power-based (Lighting Power Density). By default, Visual shows Lighting Calculation Zones in dark red and Lighting Power Density Zones are shown with a olive border and are furthermore shaded.

Lighting Calculation Zones can be defined by rectangular areas, areas bounded by a polygon A closed planar figure composed of line segments with multiple angles and sides., or can be locations along a linear Being along a line or straight path. path. Calculation Zones can also be placed directly on surfaces (Solid Objects).

The boundary of the Calculation Zone is indicated by a dashed line and points indicated by crosses are placed in an array defined by the user.

Visual assumes the light meter orientation to be perpendicular to the defining (bounding) plane. This can be modified at creation or by editing Properties after creation.

Lighting Calculation Zones can be modified to remove points that are unwanted using the Masking The process of removing calculation points from an existing Calculation Zone by selecting a polygonal exclusion region. commands. Points can be Masked with rectangles, polygons, by surface, or individually.

Mask boundaries are shown with a dashed purple line.

The display of the Mask boundary can be turned on or off in the Settings dialog.

Statistical Zones can be created to report information about part of a Lighting Calculation Zone. Statistical Zones are displayed in the Statistics tab A user interface object found in the Ribbonbar or Sidebar comprised of graphic and text buttons grouped based on function. of the Sidebar separately from their parent zone.

Statistical Zones can be created with rectangles, polygons, or by selecting surfaces. Statistical Zones can be grouped in the Sidebar for an additional level of reporting and analysis.

Statistical Zone boundaries are shown with a dashed dark green line. Notice how the internal points are omitted by astute boundary selection. Calculation points included in the Statistical Zone have a different symbol The graphic symbol associated with a Luminaire Type. Used to specify the location, orientation, and type of lighting equipment in drawings..

For example, only the paved area could be shown for a parking lot. Points in the Statistical Zone are indicated with a green asterisk symbol The graphic symbol associated with a Luminaire Type. Used to specify the location, orientation, and type of lighting equipment in drawings. by default.

Lighting Power Density (LPD) Zones can be defined by rectangular areas, areas bounded by a polygon A closed planar figure composed of line segments with multiple angles and sides.. They have associated luminaires Any light emitting object, or configuration of light emitting objects, referenced within the Luminaire Schedule in Visual. Consists of photometric, graphical, and descriptive information. specifically applied to the calculation. LPD Zones can also be placed directly on surfaces (Solid Objects).

When changes have been made to the lighting model that require a re-calculation, Visual will indicate that Calculation Zone values may no longer be valid by bracketing point values.