Analysis Hub - Direct Sun

SketchUp Labs
1

Hi everyone,

I was just playing around with the Direct Sun feature in Analysis hub and it is really cool. I am wondering is there a way to set it up to create map like that but for the outdoor space. I work as a landscape architect, and that would be really helpful when creating planting plans.

Cheers,

2

I agree…id love to be able to see the lux on different parts of the ground and buidings across the seaons.

But currently am unable to do any analysis on this model.
Using Advanced Shadows, or any of the other tools…

how do we define Spaces? It says i have zero defined.

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3

@Grga Advanced shadows can show you shadows on outdoor space, would that work for you?
For example:

Screenshot 2026-07-14 at 14.44.33
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Dan

4

Hello everyone,

You can create “spaces” in your SketchUp models that are recognized and accepted by Analysis Hub. The procedure is straightforward:

  1. Draw a horizontal face to represent the floor or site area. Please note that we currently only support horizontal face geometry.

  2. Convert this face into a group or component, as you prefer.

  3. In the “Entity Info” panel, classify the object as “IfcSpace.” To do this, ensure that either the IFC 2x3 or IFC 4 classification is loaded in SketchUp. You can check this by going to “Window” > “Model Info” > “Classifications.” If these are not listed, click “Import” to load them. Once loaded, you can select “IfcSpace” from the “Type” dropdown in the “Entity Info” panel.

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  1. You can create “space” objects anywhere in your model. For internal spaces, ensure the face is positioned at the floor level.

See the example below of an external space created using this method.

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5

Thanks @vladimir_bajic that was exactly what I was looking for!

6

Thanks! That is helpful and good information, however in this case I was looking for a “heat map”, that way is easier to see how much sun area receives on a glance

7

Makes sense, Vlad’s answer solves that really nicely.

Looks like we need to update https://help.sketchup.com/en/extending-sketchup/designing-analysis-ready-model to cover non-enclosed spaces @vladimir_bajic !

8

Thank you.

There are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Once you create your IfcSpace(s) in the model, Analysis Hub will not attempt to identify additional spaces during the preparation process.

  2. The face used to create the IfcSpace will be excluded from the model geometry for analysis. Consequently, it will not be visible in the Analysis Hub model viewer or in daylight analysis; it serves solely as a designated region for placing simulation sensor points.