Design mode is a powerful tool that allows you to build a site model with precision and accuracy. With this tool, you can create a visual representation of your site and its features, including landscaping and obstructions.
By using Design mode, you can ensure that all elements are in the correct location and proportion, making it easier to plan and execute your project.
In this article we will be going over the 3 ways you can model a roof in Aurora:
Manual Design
Take control of your Design
With Manual design, you have complete control over the design process. You can personally design a homeowner's roof and surrounding property, bringing the site model to life using the intuitive tools provided by Aurora.
Within Aurora's design capabilities, we offer two distinct features:
- SmartRoof: If you are looking to quickly model an entire roof, SmartRoof makes it easy to generate accurate 3D Models and permit quality drawings.
- Roof face: If you are working with a more complex roof structure or wish to only model a portion of the roof, Roof face gives designers more flexibility and autonomy to design the structure as they see fit.
Expert modeling
Aurora's Expert Design Service
You can rely on our in-house professionals to deliver fast, accurate residential site models. Each model includes Nearmap HD imagery.
Step 1: From the Project Dashboard, click “Send Request” within the Expert Model section.
Step 2: Ensure that your project marker is over your target property and submit your request
Step 3: Review the model for accuracy, with the ability to kick it back to the EDS team with notes on the desired changes
- Standard Expert Design requests will return your site model within 3 hours.
- Expedited Expert Design requests will return your site model within 30 minutes.
You can check the progress of your request by looking at the time wheel next to the Model Request either within the project or on the Projects tab.
Once the model is finished, you will receive an email from Aurora Solar informing you of the completion of your request with a link to review the design. If you are pleased with the design, click ‘Use This Model’ to design your system!
If you are unhappy with the model, you can choose to have the model adjusted by our team or cancel your request and we'll refund your credits.
EagleView Powered Models
EagleView Powered Models enable customers like never before to reduce costs and the time spent during site surveys by combining the most accurate 3D models available with Aurora’s best-in-class simulations and design tools. EagleView Powered Models are created using EagleView’s best-in-class site modeling technology. This feature is only available for projects located in the US.
Step 1: Click “Create new request” in the Expert Model request section of the project dashboard.
Step 2: Select “EagleView Powered Model” and position the pin over the house you want modeled.
Step 3: Click ‘Send Request” and sit back and relax. Your model will be ready in 3 hours or less during regular business hours. It will show as in progress until then.
Step 4: When your model is complete, you will receive an email notifying you that it is ready to review.
This status will also be reflected in your project dashboard.
Step 5: Click ‘Review model’
Step 6: Review the model and then click ‘Got it’ to accept the model. If you are unhappy you can contact support for further assistance.
Step 7: Name the new design. This is the title of the design with your EagleView Powered Model. We recommend you include EagleView in the name. Click ‘Save’.
AI roof
Site models powered by AI
AI roof automatically detects and generates roof models in about 30 seconds, or even faster for simple roofs. Using HD satellite imagery and LIDAR data, AI SmartRoof in Design mode allows you to automatically detect and generate roof faces and obstructions within design mode and sales mode using Aurora’s AI technology.
When available, select one of the roof options under the roof section in the site menu:
- AI SmartRoof: When selected, Aurora AI will generate a SmartRoof output, which infers the inner faces and allows users to edit and delete faces in the context of the whole roof.
- AI Roof faces: When selected, Aurora AI will generate an output of roof faces, which allows users to create and manually edit each face in isolation.
Please note that this feature is only available under our Business Plans - reach out to us to learn more!