SUN EYE DIAGRAMS

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Sun Eye Diagrams can be an incredibly useful tool, improving the clarity and accuracy of information through the use of a three-dimensional analysis approach and greatly strengthening the credibility of council applications. Our assessors with their 17+ years of experience are well versed in the process of creating and utilising Sun Eye Diagrams and can guide you in creating the best home or building possible. 

 

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What is a Sun Eye Diagram?

 

Sun eye diagrams are a three-dimensional solar analysis tool that documents the movement of the sun in relation to a building and its surrounding context over time. Using accurate 3D models and geolocated solar data, sun eye diagrams illustrate how sunlight and shadows interact with a proposed development throughout the day and across different seasons. This approach represents a significant advancement over traditional 2D shadow diagrams, providing a clearer, more realistic understanding of overshadowing and solar access.

The use of sun eye diagrams reflects a shift toward more transparent and spatially accurate environmental analysis in the design and approvals process. By visualising solar behaviour in 3D, designers, clients, and authorities gain deeper insight into how a building performs in real-world conditions, rather than relying solely on abstract plans or diagrams. As a result, sun eye diagrams are increasingly valued as both a design and communication tool.

 

What are the applications of a Sun Eye Diagram?

Sun eye diagrams can be applied to all building types and scales, from single dwellings to large mixed-use and apartment developments. Councils and planning authorities frequently request or support detailed solar and overshadowing analysis, particularly where neighbouring amenity, public open space, or minimum sunlight requirements must be demonstrated. Sun eye diagrams are especially effective in complex urban contexts where building height, density, and proximity increase the risk of overshadowing impacts.

Images generated from the sun eye 3D model can be submitted as supplementary material as part of planning and council approval applications. These visuals help demonstrate compliance with solar access and overshadowing controls and provide clear, easily interpretable evidence to support formal shadow diagrams and reports.

Outcomes from sun eye diagram analysis can include optimised:

  • Building massing and height

  • Setbacks and articulation

  • Orientation and layout of built form

  • Location and design of private and communal open spaces

  • Overshadowing impacts on neighbouring properties and public spaces

By combining technical accuracy with clear visual communication, sun eye diagrams provide a powerful tool to inform design decisions, strengthen planning submissions, and reduce approval risk.

 

How are Sun Eye Diagrams conducted?

Sun eye diagrams are produced using accurate 3D modelling and solar analysis software that simulates the path of the sun based on real-world astronomical and location data. A three-dimensional model of the proposed building is created and positioned within its true geographic context, allowing the sun’s movement to be analysed in relation to the building form and its surroundings across different times of day and seasons of the year.

The analysis incorporates key site-specific information such as the building’s orientation, height, massing, setbacks, surrounding structures, and local latitude. This ensures that the resulting sun and shadow projections accurately reflect how the development will perform within its actual environment. By testing critical dates and times—such as solstices, equinoxes, and peak sunlight hours—the sun eye diagram provides a comprehensive understanding of overshadowing and solar access impacts.

In developing a meaningful outcome for each project, design intent and usage are also considered. This includes identifying sensitive areas such as neighbouring windows, private open spaces, balconies, and public realms where access to sunlight is important. The 3D sun eye model allows these elements to be viewed dynamically, offering a clear and intuitive understanding of how shadows move and interact with the built form.

Once the analysis is complete, high-quality images and visual outputs are generated directly from the 3D model. These can be used to inform design refinements—such as adjusting building height, massing, orientation, or setbacks—to improve solar performance and reduce overshadowing where required. The same images can also be submitted as supplementary material to council.

Through this process, sun eye diagrams provide a robust and transparent method for evaluating solar impacts, helping clients achieve better design outcomes while reducing planning risk and approval uncertainty.

 

 

 

 

What are the benefits of using Sun Eye Diagrams?

Using sun eye diagrams alongside traditional 2D shadow diagrams provides a far more comprehensive and realistic understanding of how sunlight and shadows interact with a building and its surroundings. Because sun eye diagrams are generated from accurate 3D models, they allow solar impacts to be assessed spatially and over time, improving both design quality and planning confidence. Sun eye diagrams can be used to:

  • Compare different design options by testing variations in building height, massing, setbacks, and orientation to understand their impact on solar access and overshadowing

  • Verify solar access and overshadowing compliance by clearly demonstrating how the proposal performs against council and planning requirements at key dates and times

  • Visualise shadow movement in 3D, making it easier to understand the duration, extent, and direction of overshadowing on neighbouring properties, open spaces, and public realms

  • Support planning and council approvals through high-quality 3D images that can be submitted as supplementary evidence, strengthening applications and reducing the likelihood of requests for further information

  • Inform better design outcomes by identifying opportunities to reduce overshadowing, improve solar access, and optimise building form early in the design process

  • Reduce approval risk and redesign costs by resolving potential solar access issues before formal submission

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See what our clients have to say about us
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Had good definition, good level of detail, with a good split into sub-categories.” 3D Data “Buildings are good block models, ie no mesh faces.

Anthony Bowden

BIM Manager of SMART DESIGN STUDIO
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My first thought is that is a very useful tool to quickly get a base to work from. We often spend too much time trying to generate this by hand while still being pretty inaccurate.” “it’s really useful to see a 3d representation of an unknown area so quickly.

Rido Pin

Director of Plus Architecture
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This product was able to be supplied to me in native CAD REVIT format, will definitely use again for future projects.

Blake Thompson

Thrum Architects

 

Sun Eye Diagram Service

service@urbanfinity.com.au