--- title: "Adding restricted areas and lines" slug: "adding-restricted-areas" updated: 2026-10-08T13:21:01Z published: 2026-10-08T13:21:01Z canonical: "kb.solargis.com/adding-restricted-areas" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.solargis.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Adding restricted areas and lines **In this document** You'll learn how to draw restricted areas and restricted lines on the interactive 3D map, and how to configure their properties — the exclusion zone buffer with its corner join shape, and the allowed objects setting that permits inverter units or PV tables inside the constraint. It also covers moving and duplicating both elements with the move and duplicate tools, editing their vertices to change shape, and the additional options available from the three-dot menu. A **restricted area** in the Solargis Evaluate’s [Energy system designer](/v1/docs/energy-system-configurator-introduction#pv-energy-system-designer) is a polygon you draw on the map to mark ground where PV tables must not be installed — swamps, rock formations, tree stands, or any other unbuildable surface — and it can be surrounded by a configurable **exclusion zone** buffer, with inverter units or PV tables optionally **allowed inside** where needed (for example, maintenance yards). A **restricted line** is a linear constraint you draw on the map to keep PV tables away from a route or corridor — typically maintenance roads, access tracks, or cable trenches — with a configurable **exclusion zone** applied to both sides of the line and the same option to **allow** inverter units or PV tables inside. They both incorporate **terrain-following geometry**. The entire polygon—along with its outline—now conforms to the terrain through re-projection. You can edit restricted areas and lines the same way you would [edit a segment](/v1/docs/drawing-segments-restricted-areas-and-shading-objects#editing-segment-vertices). Restricted areas and restricted lines are listed within the **Site section** in the main menu under **Constraints**. If you want to add segments to the design, see [Adding segments](/v1/docs/adding-segments) document. To add shading objects, see [Adding shading objects](/v1/docs/adding-shading-objects). > **Tip**: To learn how to work with the drawing, see [interactive 3D map guide](/v1/docs/using-3d-map-and-drawing-tools#the-drawing-tools). ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-1783684586884.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D) ## Adding restricted area You can draw restricted areas using the **restricted area** ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-SQOPOOO6.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D)drawing tool by selecting it in the left 3D map toolbar or by **pressing A** on the keyboard. The process of drawing a restricted area is identical to [drawing the segment](/v1/docs/drawing-segments-restricted-areas-and-shading-objects#drawing-segments). ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-Y4JU28LO.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D) ### Restricted area properties Once you create a restricted area, you can amend its properties in the panel to the right. General settingsAllowed objects Defines the spatial buffer around the drawn polygon. Exclusion zone sets how far beyond the boundary objects must stay clear, and Join controls how the buffer corners are shaped (miter, round, or bevel). ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-1783684613215.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D) Defines exceptions to the restriction. By default nothing can be placed inside; enable Inverter units or PV tables to permit those object types within the area — useful for maintenance zones or access yards where equipment is acceptable but the rest of the layout is not. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-EU9E212R.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D) ## Adding restricted line You can draw restricted lines using the **restricted line** ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-G8FODCPJ.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D) drawing tool by selecting it in the left 3D map toolbar or by **pressing L** on the keyboard. Once you place the restricted line into the map, you can edit its safe zone in the **properties panel** to the right. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-L3104RJE.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D) ### Restricted line properties When you draw a restricted line to the design, you can amend its properties in the panel to the right. General settingsAllowed objects Defines the spatial buffer around the drawn polygon. Exclusion zone sets how far beyond the boundary objects must stay clear. Defines exceptions to the restriction. By default nothing can be placed inside; enable Inverter units or PV tables to permit those object types within the area — useful for maintenance zones or access yards where equipment is acceptable but the rest of the layout is not. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-9EEC89NU.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D) ## Moving restricted areas and lines You can **move around** existing restricted areas/lines using the move ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-STUP4VPQ.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D) tool. 1. **Select the restricted area/line** on the map or from the list in the main menu under Constraints. 2. **Activate the move tool** in the left toolbar or press “M” on your keyboard. 3. **Drag and move the restricted area/line** on the map to the desired position 4. **Press Enter** on your keyboard to confirm the new position. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-3ID59CFB.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D) ## Duplicating restricted areas and lines Additionally, you can **duplicate the restricted area/line** using the duplicate tool ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-IZERTC6G.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D). The restricted area/line will be duplicated at the same spot as the copied element with a move tool activated to move it around. The original element stays in its position untouched. 1. **Duplicated restricted area/line** where the original restricted line was originally placed. 2. **The existing restricted area/line** that you can move around to its new position. > [!TIP] > **Note**: Pressing **“Enter”** will place the existing restricted area at the new position while leaving the duplicated one in its original spot. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-IZ830PD0.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D) ## Editing restricted areas and line vertices You can change the shape of restricted areas/lines by editing their vertices: 1. **Select the restricted area/line** you want to edit (on the map or in the main menu under Constraints). 2. **Press “E”** on the keyboard to start editing the vertices. 3. **Move around the vertices** with your mouse or add new ones as required. 4. Save the changes using the **“Finish”** button or by pressing the Enter button on the keyboard. For more details on how to use the drawing tools, see [Using the drawing tools](/v1/docs/using-3d-map-and-drawing-tools#using-the-drawing-tools). ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-MHHCHH93.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D) > [!TIP] > **Note**: If the segment contained an array, it will be automatically adjusted to the new segment shape and all relevant parameters will be recalculated. ## Additional restricted area/line options Additionally, you can open the restricted area/line options menu using the **three dots menu** in its properties panel or **right-clicking the element** on the interactive 3D map to do the following (keyboard shortcuts are displayed in the menu): - **Rename:** Rename the element. - **Show/hide**: Shows/hides the underlying shape illustration of the element. - **Zoom to object**: Centers the 3d map on the object. - **Edit vertices**: Starts the vertices edit procedure to change its shape. - **Move**: Triggers the moving tool to move the element around the map. - **Duplicate**: Duplicates the element (creates a new one identical to the original). - **Delete**: Deletes the element. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-EZ9LNCZL.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A34%3A41Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A34%3A41Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=LPWxMa59tk4t3h5IZnmvMMOWEPXKrPM0Vn8%2BjI2OuyQ%3D)