Displaying shadows

The correct "Time and location" settings are necessary in order to display meaningful shadows on your map. If your base map is set the the UK grid, the longitude and latitude will be set automatically. Otherwise a rough estimate of your location in the UK is all that is necessary. Select the month you are interested in. The day shown will always be the 21st of each month, in June you will be seeing the short shadows of the summer solstice. Similarly, in December the shadows will be at their longest. Use the cursor to drag the dial through the hours of daylight. Note that the time used is GMT.

The character of the shadow for each tree is determined by four factors:

• The north, east, south and west spread of the crown.
• The overall height.
• The distance from the base, or underside, of the crown to the ground.
• The shape of the tree.

The general shape of the tree is broadly categorised as:

• Cone
• Sphere
• Bell
• Drop

 

Note that the model will seldom be strictly accurate because the program assumes that the shadows are being cast onto flat ground.