Description
Level ground and a point solar altitude in radians; azimuth and terrain are excluded.
Planning indicators combine supplied counts, time intervals, distances, and area definitions. The denominator, geometric envelope, and category boundaries affect a reported density or share. A scenario calculation follows those assumptions while the governing rules and actual site conditions require separate verification.
Level ground and a point solar altitude in radians; azimuth and terrain are excluded.
When to use this tool
Use Shadow Length Building Height Term when you need an explicit scenario indicator from supplied site dimensions, service records, or policy assumptions.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter height, sunAltitude. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read shadowLength. Use the output convention below.
Return shadowLength=height/tan(sunAltitude), requiring nonnegative height and sun altitude above zero through pi/2 radians.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| height | Height | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| sunAltitude | Solar altitude above the horizon in radians, greater than zero through pi/2. | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| shadowLength | Shadow Length | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"height": 10,
"sunAltitude": 0.7853981633974483
},
"output": {
"shadowLength": 10.000000000000002
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- This assumes a vertical object on a level plane under a single solar direction. Sun angle is supplied, not calculated from date and location, and terrain, building shape, and legal shadow rules are omitted.
- 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
Check measured site data and the applicable authoritative definitions before using a scenario in a planning decision. Geographic analysis, transport modeling, or a complete design review may be needed beyond the stated term.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Setback Plane Height At Distance
Explicit piecewise plane starts rising beyond the supplied setback; no zoning rule is selected.
- Mixed Use Floor Share Balance
Return housingShare=housingArea/totalArea, commercialShare=commercialArea/totalArea, and otherArea=totalArea-housingArea-commercialArea.