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 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. For restricted areas, restricted lines, and shading objects present in the design, see 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 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, 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.
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
While in the Energy system designer, navigate to the Site properties.
In the Terrain approximation section, switch to the Planar surface option.
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.
