Horizon Files Overview
There are several file formats that Horizon profiles can be presented in. Below are a few examples and their sources.
1. .HOR
Sources:
a) Path finder
Inside Pathfinder: create the report then go to: File > Export > Export HOR File.
Sample file HOR file
File example:
2. Obstruction Elevation (CSV)
a) Solmetric Suneye
Elevation is shown for the highest shade-causing obstruction for every 1° of azimuth. The azimuth is given in two different range formats: 0° to 360° and -180° to +180°. In the -180° to +180° format, 0° is south when in the northern hemisphere and north when in the southern hemisphere. HelioScope uses the -180° to +180° format.
Sample file Obstruction Elevations file
File example:
3. Files From Other Sources
You may have acquired your horizon data from another source and wish to use it in HelioScope. Note that some Horizon files may have to be edited, including removing excess data, in order to make them match the examples above.
a) .CSV File Upload
If attempting to upload horizon data in .CSV format, it is recommended that you download the sample file below and replace the present data with your own.
Sample File: Obstruction Elevations file
The uploader needs, at minimum, the compass heading and elevation. In the sample file, these fields are labeled as "Compass Heading (0-360; North=0; East=90)" and "Average Elevation (0-90) Session." If you only have the azimuth (presented in -180° to +180° format, 0° is south) in your existing file, you will need to convert that to compass heading so the data can be accurately represented post upload. You can see how this is done by taking a look columns A & B starting on line 12.
Do not edit any of the cells highlighted yellow as the uploader will look for those labels. You can update the data to the right of the highlighted area or leave it blank if you do not have the related data available.
If highlighted green, you may change the names to match your own file. However, compass heading data must go in column A and elevation data must go in column C. Only enter this data starting on row 12.
b) .HOR File Upload
If attempting to upload data in .HOR format, you may need to remove any excess data. The upload will only accept southerly oriented azimuth ( -180° to +180° format, 0° is south) and elevation separated by a space. No other data may be preset. You will want to make sure your file is formatted to look like the sample file below.
Sample File: HOR file
Once you have the Horizon file for your Project, follow the steps in the Horizon Shading article to upload it to HelioScope.