Terrain Analysis
Read the terrain from the drawing; make layout, earthwork and drainage decisions in the same model.
PVGround imports topographic data into AutoCAD and lets you analyze your site before and after panel layout. You see slope limits, elevation differences, water flow directions and cut-fill requirements on a single drawing, and detect risky areas early.
Don't guess the terrain; measure, analyze, then decide on placement.
How it works
- 1
Import topography into the model
Import elevation data according to your PV Area boundaries. The terrain becomes the shared reference for panel layout and all analyses.
- 2
Check slope and suitability
East-west and north-south slopes are calculated per panel. Rows exceeding your limits are color-coded on the drawing so you instantly see which areas are unsuitable for placement.
- 3
Test the cut-fill scenario
Calculate cut and fill volumes, area percentages and panel elevation differences. Compare cost and technical impact before leveling the terrain.
- 4
Analyze drainage behavior
Model surface flow directions, ponding points and drainage lines. Visually track where rainwater collects on the site and which direction it flows.
- 5
Validate with cross sections and reports
Check the terrain-panel relationship in profile views and communicate your decisions clearly to the technical team and investors.
Highlights
- Topographic data import integrated with PV Area
- Per-panel east-west / north-south slope analysis and limit control
- Color visualization of limit-exceeded zones
- Cut-fill volume and area ratio calculation
- Panel elevation difference and ground clearance tracking
- Physics-based drainage analysis: flow direction, ponding areas, drainage network
- Live preview and on-drawing result display
- Terrain-panel fit check with profile cross sections
- Ground condition evaluation with pile analysis
Outputs shown on this page
- Slope mapSeparates suitable / risky areas for placement
- Cut-fill summaryEnables preliminary construction cost estimate
- Drainage network and flow directionsSupports water management planning
- Profile cross sectionsValidates panel-terrain relationship
- Panel elevation dataControls mounting and cleaning height
Other features
Explore other systems inside PVGround.
Shadowing Analysis
PVGround brings together your panel layout, shading objects and the date/time scenario you choose inside the AutoCAD model. You see which rows are shaded and at what times directly on the drawing, and clarify risky zones before changing row spacing, orientation or obstacle placement.
Capacity Iteration
PVGround virtually tests multiple row-spacing scenarios based on your PV Area boundaries and panel settings. It compares capacity, module count and used area per scenario in a table and applies your chosen result directly to the drawing.
DC-AC-HV Cabling
Plan DC, AC and high-voltage cable routes in the 3D model to simplify quantity takeoff and design control.
Pile Analysis
PVGround analyzes topography-based piles frame by frame. It groups front and rear leg lengths into production types using tolerance; calculates column, purlin, brace and accessory tonnage for monofacial or bifacial construction. Results are color-coded on the drawing or exported as a detailed Excel report.
Reporting System
No more manual spreadsheets. PVGround reads power, quantities and site data straight from your design and delivers professional outputs for clients and teams in minutes. One model, one workflow: from early design to tender-ready reports.