Insolation Model from LiDAR-Derived Topographical Surface Models

This paper intent to investigate the relationship of topographic elements and its effect on incoming solar radiation (insolation) value based on topographical surface model derived from LiDAR data and highlights on the comparison of DSM and DTM insolation value for direct, diffuse and global irradiance of the study area. The insolation is expected to somehow change in regard to the initial solar energy due to the differing surface types and materials. Modelling the pattern of insolation of the Sun’s rays as it interacts with the Earth’s atmosphere, surface, and its objects is thus vital for many applications including in the context of green building technology concept. In this study, to reconstruct the surface models that represent the surface, high resolution airborne LiDAR datasets were used to produce the DTM and DSMs. The reliability of these models was verified accordingly. The derived products were further structured as TIN and topographic analysis as well as modelling was performed within ArcGIS environment. Models of irradiance were derived and distinguished based on the direct, diffuse and global irradiance. Then, pattern correspond to the topographical elements was determined and the results were discussed.