Availability: Aurora AI is an add-on product only available on Enterprise plans – contact your account admin to confirm access. Requires HD imagery and LIDAR at the site address.
Aurora AI is the fastest way to generate a 3D site model in Sales Mode. Using HD satellite imagery and LIDAR data, it automatically detects and models the roof in under 15 seconds — no manual drawing required.
In this article
- Before you begin
- How to create a site model using Aurora AI
- How Aurora AI handles trees and shading
- How Aurora AI handles properties with multiple structures
- If the model is inaccurate
- FAQs
Before you begin
- The project has a valid residential address.
- HD imagery and LIDAR data are available at the site address. If either is unavailable, Aurora AI won't be accessible — use Expert Design Services or draw the roof manually in Design Mode instead.
- Your account has Aurora AI enabled.
How to create a site model using Aurora AI
- Click the System Design icon in the top navigation bar.
- Click the house icon. An Add roof modal will appear.
- Click Run Aurora AI Roof. Aurora AI will generate the 3D site model — allow a few seconds for it to process.
- Once generated, inspect the model in 3D and verify that the roof faces and ridgeline look accurate.
- If the model looks accurate, click Keep then proceed to add modules.
How Aurora AI handles trees and shading
Aurora AI models the roof geometry of all structures within the property boundaries — it does not manually draw trees. Instead, it uses LIDAR shading to automatically account for shading from trees and neighboring buildings in the irradiance map and performance simulation.
You don't need to place trees manually after running Aurora AI — as long as LIDAR data is available and enabled on the design, surrounding objects are factored in automatically.
📝 Note: To disable LIDAR shading — for example, if trees have been removed since the LIDAR data was collected — you'll need to navigate to Design Mode. See LIDAR Shading for instructions.
How Aurora AI handles properties with multiple structures
For sites with multiple structures, such as a detached garage or guest house, Aurora AI will model all of the structures within the property lines.
To view the property lines, click on the layers icon in the bottom-left corner, then click Property lines.
To edit the property lines, click and drag on the nodes. You can then re-run Aurora AI with the updated property lines if needed.
If the model is inaccurate
Aurora AI occasionally misses roof faces, particularly on complex roofs or sites with low imagery quality. If the generated model isn't accurate:
- Adjust the roof faces manually in Design Mode. See Site Modeling & Imagery for guidance.
- Or request a model from Expert Design Services — click the house icon, then Request Expert Model. See Requesting a 3D site model using Expert Design Services in Sales Mode.
When prompted to Keep or Delete your AI model, you will not be charged credits if you choose to Delete.
FAQs
Why isn't Aurora AI available at this address?
Aurora AI requires both HD imagery and LIDAR data at the site address. If either is unavailable, you will not be able to run Aurora AI in Sales Mode. Use Expert Design Services or draw the roof manually in Design Mode instead.
How accurate is Aurora AI?
Aurora AI is highly accurate for most standard residential roofs. For complex roofs with multiple dormers, hip segments, or heavy tree coverage, review the 3D model carefully after generation and adjust as needed.
Can I run Aurora AI on a design I already started?
No. If there is already a 3D site model started, you will need to create a new design or delete the existing structure in order to run Aurora AI.
Is Aurora AI available for commercial projects?
No. Aurora AI currently only supports residential projects.
Why can't I access Design Mode from Sales Mode?
Your account administrator may have restricted your role from accessing Design Mode. When this setting is off, Design Mode is hidden and you can only view designs within Sales Mode. Contact your account admin if you need Design Mode access. See User Management: Advanced Roles for more information.
Related articles
- Requesting a 3D site model using Expert Design Services in Sales Mode
- Manual roof design — see Site Modeling & Imagery in the Design category
- Adding modules in Sales Mode
- Assessing shading threats in Sales Mode
- LIDAR Shading
- Aurora AI in Design Mode