3D Solar Path & Shadow Simulation Tool An interactive 3D environment crafted to deliver precise insights into solar movement and its interaction with architectural forms. It enables you to simulate the sun’s trajectory, calculate azimuth and altitude angles, and analyze real-time shadow casting across any time of the day or year, empowering better-informed decisions for bioclimatic and sustainable architecture.
GeoShadow is based on solar geometry and the mathematical modelling of the Sun’s apparent movement relative to a specific geographic location. By integrating geographic coordinates, date, and local time, the system determines the solar azimuth and altitude, defining the Sun’s horizontal direction and angular elevation above the horizon. These parameters establish the direction of incident sunlight and provide the geometric basis for calculating cast shadows within the three-dimensional environment.
As the date and time change, the solar position is recalculated, allowing the resulting shadows to be examined dynamically across different hours and seasons. This process translates astronomical data into a spatially legible representation of solar exposure, revealing the relationships between building geometry, orientation, and the surrounding environment. By visualising these relationships, GeoShadow supports the investigation of solar access, shading conditions, façade exposure, and the seasonal performance of architectural and urban spaces.
The accuracy of the resulting analysis depends on the precision of the geographic and temporal inputs, the solar-position algorithm, and the geometric representation of the built environment.
