Direct Sun Hours

This simulation quantifies cumulative direct beam solar exposure across your site during selected months and time intervals, expressed as total sunlight hours at each location. Using validated ray-tracing algorithms based on Radiance computational methods, the analysis tracks direct solar radiation while accounting for dynamic shading cast by building geometry, vegetation canopies, and urban obstructions throughout the temporal window. By focusing on direct solar exposure rather than diffuse radiation, the model reveals both overshaded zones and areas experiencing prolonged sun exposure during specific periods. Temporal filtering enables assessment of seasonal and diurnal variations, supporting evaluation of how design interventions perform under different solar conditions—from morning through midday to afternoon periods.

The simulation employs the scientifically validated Shade Availability Index (SAI) framework, developed through extensive parametric modeling of approximately 20,000 urban scenarios and field measurements across multiple climates. This methodology recognizes that adequate shade provision is fundamental to pedestrian thermal comfort and outdoor space usability in hot climates, where excessive direct sun creates thermal stress conditions discouraging outdoor activity.

Results support evidence-based decisions regarding outdoor program placement, thermal comfort optimization, strategic tree positioning, canopy structure design, and verification of spatial equity in shade distribution. The framework's site-relative thresholds ensure universal applicability across different climates, seasons, and urban morphologies without requiring region-specific calibration.