Aurora uses LIDAR shading by default to account for tree shading — an automatic analysis built from aerial point-cloud data. When the site has changed, or you want visual trees in a proposal, you have three more options: LIDAR cutout, AI Tree Detection, and manual trees. This article explains when to use each, and how to avoid the one mistake that throws off your production estimate.
In this article:
- How Aurora models tree shading
- When to use each method
- Compare the methods
- Use only one method per simulation
- Key considerations
- FAQ
- Related articles
How Aurora models tree shading
By default, Aurora uses LIDAR shading — an automatic shading analysis built from aerial point-cloud data. LIDAR shading is fast and accurate when the LIDAR data still matches the site. When the site has changed, or when you want visual 3D trees in a proposal, you have three options:
- LIDAR cutout — draw shapes to subtract specific areas, like trees that are being removed from LIDAR shading. LIDAR shading stays on for the rest of the site.
- AI Tree Detection — automatically place 3D trees from imagery and LIDAR.
- Manual trees — place 3D trees by hand.
When to use each method
Use LIDAR cutout when your LIDAR is mostly current and you're removing specific trees. Draw cutouts over the trees coming down to subtract them, and keep LIDAR shading on for everything else.
Use AI Tree Detection when your LIDAR no longer reflects the site — for example, trees have grown since the LIDAR was captured, or many trees are changing — and your account has Aurora AI. Review the placed trees, then turn off LIDAR shading before you simulate.
Use manual trees when LIDAR isn't available for the site and you can't use AI Tree Detection. Turn off LIDAR shading before you simulate.
Compare the methods
| LIDAR cutout | AI Tree Detection | Manual trees | |
| What it is | Draw shapes to subtract areas from LIDAR shading | Auto-placed 3D trees from imagery and LIDAR | Hand-placed 3D trees |
| Best when | LIDAR is current and you're removing specific trees | LIDAR is outdated or trees have grown, with good imagery | LIDAR isn't available and AI trees can't run |
| Visual trees in proposals | No | Yes | Yes |
| Speed | Varies with how much you draw | About 30 seconds plus review time | 5 to 10 minutes per site |
| Keep in mind | Subtracts only; keeps LIDAR shading on | Turn off LIDAR shading before simulating; review placement and size | Turn off LIDAR shading before simulating; most time-consuming |
Use only one shading method per simulation
Only one shading method should be active when you run a simulation. If you run AI Tree Detection or add manual trees, turn off LIDAR shading in Simulation settings first. Leaving both on counts the same trees twice and produces a lower production estimate than the site would actually generate.
LIDAR cutout is the exception. It works together with LIDAR shading by design. Leave LIDAR shading on when using LIDAR cutout.
Key considerations
- LIDAR cutout subtracts only. It removes areas from LIDAR shading but can't add trees or height. If trees have grown since the LIDAR was captured, use AI Tree Detection or manual trees instead.
- AI Tree Detection depends on imagery quality. It works best with high-resolution imagery such as Nearmap, and the placed trees need a quick review — canopy widths can be oversized and heights may need correcting.
- Manual trees are the fallback. Use them when LIDAR isn't available and AI Tree Detection can't run.
- Financing and TPO designs. Most financiers prefer LIDAR shading and LIDAR cutouts, but not all. If you design for a project that is being financed, confirm which shading methods the financier accepts before you submit. Note: Financiers can verify the shading method used and whether the LIDAR was edited through Aurora's API.
FAQ
My production estimate dropped after running AI trees. What happened?
LIDAR shading was most likely still on. With both methods active, Aurora counts tree shading twice and your estimate comes out low. Go to Simulation settings in Design Mode, turn off LIDAR shading, and re-run.
Which method is most accurate?
It depends on whether your LIDAR reflects the current site. LIDAR shading, including LIDAR cutout, is reliable when the data is current. AI or manual trees are better when it isn't, such as when trees have grown. Use only one method per simulation.
Can I use LIDAR cutout and AI Tree Detection together?
No. Pick one per design. LIDAR cutout requires LIDAR shading to be on, while AI Tree Detection requires LIDAR shading to be off.
Does LIDAR cutout put trees in my proposal?
No. LIDAR cutout removes areas from shading but doesn't add visual 3D trees. Use AI Tree Detection or manual trees if you want trees to appear in the proposal.
Will my financier accept a design that uses LIDAR cutout?
Check with your financier before you submit, since acceptance can vary. Financiers can confirm the shading method and whether the LIDAR was edited through Aurora's API.