Description
Planar solar section with aligned solar azimuth and level ground.
A planning scenario combines parcel dimensions, frontage, service space, and explicitly supplied rules. Gross, excluded, and counted areas can use different bases. A geometric result describes the chosen model while site conditions and the governing requirements need separate verification.
Planar solar section with aligned solar azimuth and level ground.
When to use this tool
Use Building Separation Solar Angle Factor when you need the stated geometric or planning-indicator term under supplied site dimensions and rule choices.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter obstructionHeight, protectedHeight, sunAltitude. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read separation. Use the output convention below.
Return separation=max(0,obstructionHeight-protectedHeight)/tan(sunAltitude). Require nonnegative heights and solar altitude above zero through pi/2 radians.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| obstructionHeight | Obstruction Height | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| protectedHeight | Protected Height | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| sunAltitude | Solar altitude in radians above zero through pi/2. | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| separation | Separation | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"obstructionHeight": 20,
"protectedHeight": 5,
"sunAltitude": 0.7853981633974483
},
"output": {
"separation": 15.000000000000002
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- This ideal level-plane shadow relation uses a supplied solar angle. It does not calculate sun position, complete building shadows, protected-light rights, or legally sufficient separation.
- The field tables state structural bounds; the mechanics also specify cross-field constraints. Malformed inputs and unsupported domains cause errors. A successful false flag, empty branch value, or zero placeholder has the meaning stated above and is distinct from an input error.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Signed zero is exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use measured site geometry and the applicable authoritative definitions when a planning decision needs more than this supplied term. A complete layout, access, or structural review can require additional models.
References
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