---
title: "Site properties"
slug: "site-properties"
updated: 2026-10-08T13:26:07Z
published: 2026-10-08T13:26:07Z
canonical: "kb.solargis.com/site-properties"
---

> ## 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.

# Site properties

**In this document**

You'll learn what the Site properties section contains — GPS coordinates, slope, azimuth, altitude, segment type, and the site-level horizon — and how to switch between the adaptive and planar surface terrain approximation methods, including the terrain blending options and the limits of surface smoothing.

The **Site properties** in the Solargis Evaluate’s [Energy system designer](/v1/docs/energy-system-configurator-introduction#pv-energy-system-designer) hold the basic parameters of your project's reference point — its GPS coordinates, slope, azimuth, and altitude — together with the site-level horizon and the terrain approximation method applied across the site. You can access them in the **Site** section of the main navigation menu.

If you are looking for the terrain elevation model and its visualizations, see [Terrain properties](/v1/docs/terrain-properties). For restricted areas, restricted lines, and shading objects present in the design, see [Constraints](/v1/docs/design-constraints).

## Site properties

The top of the **Site properties** section displays your site's basic information, such as GPS coordinates, slope, azimuth, and the location's altitude. There is also an **"Add array"** button that allows you to [add an array to the reference point](/v1/docs/adding-arrays-to-the-project#adding-arrays-to-your-project) if it has not already been added.

- The **General section** lets you select the segment type. Currently, only the ground segment type is supported.
- The **Horizon section** lets you examine and change the [default horizon](/v1/docs/horizon-shading), which has been calculated for the site's reference point.
- The **terrain approximation method** is set to **adaptive** by default, showing the slope, azimuth, and altitude from the map data. To change these values, switch to **Planar surface**.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-TA1PY583.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A08%3A18Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A08%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Xsn3Um75mP%2FUmw6sHGHyzwlgIO9Wk62E1jhqg6yF0NA%3D)

## Changing the terrain approximation method

At Solargis, we have introduced an enhanced terrain approximation to address common issues with the **Planar surface method** — such as abrupt "cliffs" at segment boundaries and unrealistic shading. With this terrain approximation method, you get:

- Smoother transitions between leveled and natural terrain.
- More accurate simulation results and visuals.
- Improved mesh quality without asymmetric triangles.
- No change to your existing projects unless you update the settings.

### Key attributes and limitations

| Attribute | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Backwards compatibility | No impact on old projects unless you set smoothing. |
| Range | 0–100 m (whole numbers only) |
| Defaults | 0 m (existing segments), 20 m (new) |
| Visual impact | Smoother transitions, no cliff artifacts. |
| Limitations | Very large smoothing may affect nearby elevations; use moderate values for optimal results. |

### How to set the Planar surface approximation method

1. While in the Energy system designer, navigate to the **Site properties**.
2. In the **Terrain approximation** section, switch to the **Planar surface** option.
3. Adjust slope, slope azimuth, and altitude as required, and select the preferred terrain blending method:
  - **Natural**: Blends the planar surface smoothly with the actual terrain for a realistic transition at site boundaries.
  - **No extra points**: Uses only the defined planar surface without adding additional points, maintaining a simplified terrain model.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/ae2d502f-6c0d-4865-a68e-43ad8da61149/Images/Documentation/image-1783684714483.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-16T21%3A08%3A18Z&se=2026-10-16T22%3A08%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Xsn3Um75mP%2FUmw6sHGHyzwlgIO9Wk62E1jhqg6yF0NA%3D)