Sky View Factor

Sky view factor is the percentage of the visible sky unobstructed by obstacles as seen by an upward facing viewer. It measures of the fraction of the sky that is visible from a specific point in the project domain. Sky view is often used in urban planning and heat island studies to as it influences other factors like solar radiation, wind access, and temperature. In Orbital Stack, sky view factor is calculated as a percentage from 0% to 100%. Like our other solar metrics, it considers a clear sky with only a project’s geometry included as possible obstructions. A higher sky view percentage indicates more sky visibility, while a lower sky view suggests increased obstruction from buildings or other structures. A sky view factor of 100% would indicate a fully unobstructed view to the horizon in every direction from the point of measurement.

Metrics like sky view factor are used in various city planning regulations to measure and ensure that residents and users of the spaces have sufficient exposure to natural light. Sky view factor is a similar metric to Vertical Sky Component (VSC), but not calculated in the same way, so the two are not to be assumed to be the same.

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