Simulating and Mapping the Variations of Solar Radiation at the Lujiazui Region of Shanghai Using Airborne LiDAR Data

Abstract

This study utilizes high resolution airborne LiDAR data and topographic solar radiation model to quantify the impacts of three-dimensional morphology on the spatio-temporal variations of solar radiation at the Lujiazui Region, Shanghai, China. Monthly direct and non-direct (diffuse and reflection) plus seasonal total solar radiation distributions are simulated and mapped by using a radiation flux model. The results show that the crowded buildings at the Lujiazui Region have severely changed the spatial pattern of solar radiation intensity and duration. The derived monthly and seasonal solar radiation maps would benefit the understanding of the impacts of urban 3D morphology on the environmental factors and be the scientific basic for the further research.