SolarSIM is the global solar utility tool designed for Geospatial Solar Simulation. The application leverages specialized digital architecture that integrates geographic datasets with astronomical physics to model light-matter interaction across space and time. The software allows us to foresee how the rotation of the Earth and its orbit around the sun will physically manifest as light and shadow at any specific point
- The Spatial Foundation (Leaflet GIS): This layer provides the geodetic context. By utilizing the New York State coordinate system, we aren’t just placing objects in “empty space.” We are anchoring the environment to the Earth’s ellipsoidal model, establishing the specific Latitude ($\phi$) and Longitude ($\lambda$) required for solar positioning.
- The Physical Engine (Three.js/Vector Analysis): This represents the local simulation volume. It translates abstract geographic coordinates into a Cartesian coordinate system ($x, y, z$). Within this volume, we treat the gnomon as a mathematical proxy for built geometry, allowing us to observe the projection of shadows based on the height and orientation of physical structures.
- The Temporal-Solar Logic: This is the analytical core. By implementing the solar position algorithm, the environment calculates:
- Solar Declination ($\delta$): Based on the day of the year.
- Hour Angle ($h$): Based on solar time.
- Solar Altitude ($\alpha$): The angle of the sun above the horizon.
- Solar Azimuth ($\gamma$): The compass direction of the sun.This logic transforms the map from a static representation into a four-dimensional model (3D space + 1D time).
- The Interface of Convergence (The Digital Dashboard): The slide-out “Inspector” UI acts as the bridge between the map’s macro-data and the simulator’s micro-data. It allows for the instantaneous translation of a user-defined geographic “zone” (drawn on the map) into a high-fidelity solar study.
In summary, this Geospatial Solar Simulation Environment is a predictive tool for Solar Spatiotemporal Analysis. The logic currently implemented is a first-order approximation of the Solar Position Algorithm, which is accurate to within approximately $0.5^\circ$ to $1^\circ$. This is generally sufficient for architectural shadow studies.
1. The Declination Formula ($\delta$)
Spencer formula (1971). It accounts for the Earth’s axial tilt and the eccentricity of the orbit. It is significantly more accurate than the basic $\sin(23.45 \dots)$ formula often found in hobbyist code because it treats the orbit as an ellipse rather than a circle.
2. The Equation of Time (EoT)
This is critical. It accounts for the fact that “Solar Noon” rarely happens exactly at 12:00 clock time due to the Earth’s varying orbital speed. Without this, your shadows would be shifted east or west by up to 16 minutes depending on the season.
3. Coordinate System (Azimuth/Altitude)
The transformation to 3D space follows the standard spherical-to-cartesian conversion:
- Altitude ($\alpha$): Calculated via the HA (Hour Angle) and Latitude.
- Azimuth ($\gamma$): Calculated via the spherical law of cosines.
- The Logic Check: I have verified that the Azimuth calculation includes the
if (ha > 0) azR = -azR;guard. Without this, the sun would incorrectly “reset” at noon instead of continuing its arc across the southern/northern sky.
Where it is simplified (The “Scientific” Caveats):
If a user is doing high-precision solar panel placement or sundial calibration, they should note:
- Atmospheric Refraction: The code does not currently calculate “Refraction Bend.” In reality, when the sun is at the horizon, it appears about $0.5^\circ$ higher than it actually is because the atmosphere bends the light.
- Analemma: While it calculates daily declination, it uses a simplified mean solar time.
- Elevation: The code assumes the observer is at sea level. At high altitudes, the sunrise occurs slightly earlier.
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