In this document
We will explain what data you can import and use in Solargis Evaluate and how to do it.
GeoTIFF raster images
You can upload up to five GeoTIFF files to your Evaluate project to bring in your own terrain data. GeoTIFF is a widely used raster format for storing geospatial information such as elevation from drone scans, LIDAR, or engineering surveys. Using GeoTIFF files lets you integrate custom terrain directly into your project for higher precision and realistic design conditions. This gives you greater control and ensures data consistency across all design tools.
Custom terrain files
Terrain files uploaded to the project are listed in the Project data menu category in the Imported data/Custom terrain section. Basic details such as upload date, resolution, and maximal error are listed in the table. Additionally, each file is provided with the three-dot menu:
Get file info: Open to get more details about the file and its parameters, or learn more about potential errors while uploading and how to fix them.
Download mesh/source:
Downloading the source (.tiff): Retrieves the original file you uploaded, useful if you lost it or transferred project ownership.
Downloading the mesh (.stl): Retrieves the optimized terrain model generated by Solargis Evaluate, which can be used as a terrain base in third‑party CAD software. This file ensures transparency in how large or high‑resolution terrains are processed.
Rename or delete the file. The name you set here will be used in the summary and PV reports.
The 
icon indicates that the file was successfully uploaded, processed, and complies with all requirements for a successful upload.
The 
icon informs that there was an error uploading the file, or the file does not meet all requirements for usage in Evaluate. Learn more about the problem via the three-dot menu in “Get file info” or by hovering the cursor over the icon.
Uploading the GeoTIFF files
You can upload GeoTIFF files into your project via the Project/Project data section. The file is processed in two stages:
The system uploads the file to the servers. This usually takes a few seconds, depending on the file size and your internet connection speed.
The system starts processing the file. This stage starts automatically after the file upload and may take longer based on the data complexity. The system performs several validations to evaluate the file. Validations with the respective error codes are listed in the Validations and errors table.
Key points to remember before you proceed:
Only WGS 84, Web Mercator, and Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS) are supported.
GeoTIFF file must comply with the tiff file format requirements.
Maximum file size is 250MB.
The terrain the file covers must fall inside the project area.
You can upload maximum of 5 geoTIFF files to a single project.
Files that are used in any PV design within the project can not be deleted. You must remove it from projects first before deletition.
Navigate to the Project data section and switch to the Imported data tab.
Click the “Upload now” button, drag the file in or browse for the GeoTIFF file on your computer, and click “Upload”. The automatic file validation will be performed and the file will be uploaded.
Uploaded geoTIFF files will be shown in the Custom terrain tab. Each file is provided with the three-dot menu you can use to access more information about the file, download mesh data (.stl format), download the source file (.tiff format), rename, or delete it.
GeoTIFF file validations
GeoTIFF file is validated against several conditions that must be met:
Single-band elevation raster only (no multiple bands are supported)
Presence of a coordinate reference system
No undefined or missing values are present
Elevation values are realistic and within a reasonable range (between -500 and 10000 m)
Supported file format
Terrain file falls inside the project boundaries
Tips & tricks before you upload
Before uploading, crop the terrain file only to the necessary extent to focus precision on your area of interest to avoid higher compression.
When using high‑resolution terrain data in a web environment, remember that ESD applies the Delatine algorithm to optimize performance.
The Delatine algorithm merges areas with similar slope and azimuth, reducing the number of triangles in homogeneous zones and slightly lowering precision.
Limiting the data extent ensures the algorithm allocates triangles effectively where most needed.
If your terrain raster resolution exceeds 1 m, covers a large area, or contains trees or buildings, be aware of possible deformations indicated by a high Max error value.
Custom terrain usage
You can use uploaded terrain files directly in your Evaluate project within the Energy system designer to support more accurate PV layout and performance simulations. This enables you to model the real topography of your site, improving results for shading analysis, tilt and azimuth optimization, and energy yield estimation—ultimately leading to more reliable and efficient system design.
The example below shows how improved terrain information can contribute to the accuracy of environment shading.
