3 D Modelling of Roadway Lighting Systems
We provide illumination modelling services for roadway lighting. Our predecessor company managed the first major installations of LED roadway lighting in British Columbia totally some 3,000 lights between 2008 and 2011. Based on that experience LUX Measurement was formed in 2016 to assist municipalities to make the transition from HPS street lighting to LED. Our modelling team have amassed comprehensive databases of HPS and Metal Halide luminaire .ies files as well as necessary 3D models (streetlight poles, cars, trees etc.) and have developed effective geo-data approaches to roadway illumination modelling.
We start by building a simple 3D model of the roadway system based on observation and satellite imagery. The model includes accurate 3D renditions of the actual street light poles and luminaires. Our data base of street lights is very extensive and covers all the major types of HPS, HID and MH luminaires. And, of course, we have access to all necessary LED luminaire data files. The model is then used to calculate and visualize the existing illumination levels on the selected roadway segments. During this process we generally recommend to clients that we use our technology to measure actual lighting levels at selected locations to ensure accuracy of the results. Reflectivity of the roadway surfaces are also based on observation.
The next step is to replace the existing luminaires in the model with the LED types that the municipality may be considering. The wattages, colour temperatures and illumination type of the new LED luminaires are then adjusted until we achieve an optimum design; in terms of cost and compliance of illumination levels with standards. During this process we check for obtrusive lighting, zebra stripes and other factors that could impact the safety and public perception of the final installed LED system.
RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE OF LED LIGHTS
The model then allows us to determine the luminance levels on the roadways which is essential to ensure that IESNA standards are met. We then provide a recommended schedule of LED street lights that would meet standards and which will not create negative public response.
