Shadow Diagram Professional Drafting Consultant Services
In addition to my popular Shadow Diagram software, Shadow Mutli Cast, I can also provide you with professional and accurate Shadow Diagrams for your project.
Some projects can be very complex and accuracy is crucial during the planning application stage. It is important you give your project the best chance by looking at ways to utilise all the information about the subject site and neighbouring sites to demonstrate as little impact from your addition, house or development.
I have years of experience in shadow diagrams and can study your drawings and surveyors drawings to find what is the best way to apporach your shadow diagram drawings for your project.

Below I describe different types of shadow studies that can be used in your application.

If you would like me to provide a quote or services for shadow diagrams, I have put together a basic list of information I require to prepare the drawings. Please click here for more information.
Types of Shadow Diagram Drawings

2D Shadow Diagrams:


2D Shadow Diagram drawings are the most commonly used drawing submitted with a design proposal.
Standard drawings in Melbourne require shadow diagrams at 9am, 12pm and 3pm September 21st Equinox although sometimes every hour between 9am to 3pm is required. In some instances local councils will require shadow diagrams for June 21st Solstice as this is when the shadows are there longest and show the worst case scenario for overshadowing.
Standard drawings in Sydney requre shadow diagrams at 9am, 12pm and 3pm June 21st Solstice although sometimes every hour between 9am to 3pm is required. In some cases councils may also require September 21st and March 21st Shadows.

In most cases, the shadow of the proposed building is only shown. However, it is sometimes in the projects interest to show additonal shadows from existing buildings on site, even if they are to be demolished as this demonstrates that the proposed building isn't casting a shadow that isn't already there. In addition to that, showing neighbouring buildings can be in the projects favour if there is an existing structure that already overshadows where your projects shadow would fall. It is always good to try and find as much information from the site that can aid in getting your project through planning/building approval.
Shadows from the proposed site and existing fences or structures should be shown in different colours on the drawings to differentiate where the shadows are being cast from.
In most cases, shadows can be calculated for a 2D plan without too much issue. However, if the building site is a steep sloping site, 3D modelled shadow diagrams can be better.

3D Shadow Diagrams:

3D Shadow Diagrams can look exactly like a 2D shadow diagram drawing, but the shadows have been generated using a 3D model. This is useful for complex and steep sloping sites. There are other advantages to 3D as well. For instance by modelling not only your project building but also the neighbours, it is possible to show accurately how the shadow casts across the neighbouring roofs. This is useful in times that a neighbour has solar panels on their roof and over shadowing them is a major concern. 3D models also allow me to show how shadows are being cast over neighbouring habitable windows in a perspective view. Very useful tool in projects where buildings are close together.

2D Sectional Shadow Diagram:

2D sectional shadow diagrams are similar to the 3D shadow diagrams in the way they show how shadows are falling on neighbouring windows. The difference is that these drawings are an actual section drawing, not a perspective which can be a better way to submit the information for planning permit. As it is a 2D sectional drawing, it is easier to accurately notate with additonal information such as R.L's.

Shadow Diagrams Elevations:



Shadow Diagram Elevations are used to show the extent of the shadows against surfaces, usually neighbouring walls, windows, doors and roofs. Shadow Diagram Elevations are often required by many councils in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria as a part of planning and DA applications.

Shadow Diagram Animation:

Shadow Diagrams Animations can show in real time how the shadow is moving across the site and neighbouring properties. Animations I prepare show the time as the animation is playing and can really help to provide a visual sense of what is actually happening with the shadows from the proposed building work.