Getting Started

The main purpose of the plugin is insolation duration calculation and graphical representation of calculated results in the model. That’s why first of all it is necessary to specify model geographical location (latitude, longitude):

  • Sketchup Main Menu>>Window>>Model Info

Specify geographic location information in the “Model Info” dialog. It is also very important to pay attention to the north direction. It is recommended to set “Show in model” check box of the “Model Info” dialog to enabled state. It allows to check if your model is oriented properly to the north direction.

The second parameter, which is important for insolation duration is time and date setting:

  • Sketchup Main Menu>>Plugins>>LSS Chronolux>>Time Settings
  • click Time Settings command button of “LSS Chronolux Toolbar”

It is possible to view/change time settings in the “Time Settings” dialog. The default date of insolation testing is autumnal equinox date (22.09) and the testing period is 10 hours of daylight (with first and last daylight hours excluding).

Note

It is important to set reasonable <Time increment> value. If the test period (<End time> – <Start time>) is about a year, then the reasonable <Time increment>=86400 seconds (60sec*60min*24hours=1 day). Anyway after changing time settings the plugin asks about sun scale regeneration (actually it is necessary step, that commits new time settings changes) and informs about how many check steps will be made during insolation calculation. The reasonable check steps count is less, than 1000.

See Also