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Lighting knowledge
Understand light levels, uniformity, glare and code requirements before you build. Learn from practical guides—or send us your drawings for professional photometric plan services.
Photometric plan, explained
A photometric plan is a calculated lighting drawing that predicts where light will fall and whether a proposed layout will meet the project’s performance targets. It replaces guesswork with measurable results.
Use the guides below to understand the process. When you are ready, Stetra Lighting can prepare a professional plan for permitting, design coordination, fixture comparison or construction.
Start here · 8 minute guide
See the calculation grid, average and minimum light levels, uniformity ratios, fixture schedule, mounting details and boundary-light results included in a professional study.
Read the complete overviewFor permits & approvals
Learn how calculated light levels, spill light, BUG ratings and uniformity help reviewers evaluate parking lots, commercial sites and exterior developments.
Explore parking lot plansFor design decisions
Check fixture quantities, optics, aiming and mounting heights before equipment is purchased—then revise the model instead of correcting the site.
Learn how to read a planProfessional photometric plan services
Send your site or floor plan, fixture information and project requirements. We will review the scope and tell you what is needed to prepare a clear, project-ready photometric plan.
Lighting knowledge library
LatestLearning Lighting · 18 Aug 2026
A photometric plan lets project teams verify light levels, uniformity, glare and spill light before fixtures are installed. Learn which projects benefit most, what reviewers may request and what to send for an accurate…
Read article
Learning Lighting · 06 Jul 2026
Daylight Calculations for Natural Light & Sun Glare Daylight calculations help architects, designers, contractors, and property owners understand how natural light…
By Teodora Boshkovska
How-to · 05 Feb 2026
Professional outdoor lighting starts with proper site analysis, defined zones, and clear performance targets. By setting correct light levels, selecting suitable…
By Anastasija Djajkova
Learning Lighting · 03 Feb 2026
Effective exterior lighting for buildings achieves three primary goals: enhancing architecture, ensuring safety, and meeting energy codes. A professional design is a…
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 02 Feb 2026
Light pollution is more than wasted light. It affects safety, energy use, environmental health, and permitting compliance. This guide explains how responsible…
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 01 Feb 2026
Intelligent lighting controls manage when and where light is delivered. Using sensors and automation, they create efficient, responsive environments tuned to…
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 01 Feb 2026
Grazing lighting emphasizes surface texture by placing fixtures close to a wall and aiming light at a steep angle. It creates strong highlights and shadows that…
By Teodora Boshkovska
Explainer · 26 Jan 2026
Basketball court lighting requires precise control of illuminance, uniformity, and glare. This guide explains the key performance criteria used in professional…
By Anastasija Djajkova
Comparison · 23 Jan 2026
Choosing between 3000K and 5000K lighting affects visual comfort, task performance, and perception of space. This comparison explains where each CCT works best in…
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 21 Jan 2026
A recessed lighting layout must balance spacing, beam angles, and light levels. This guide explains how to develop a layout based on performance, not guesswork.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 20 Jan 2026
Dark sky compliant lighting reduces light pollution while maintaining safety and visibility. This guide explains design principles, shielding, and compliance…
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 26 Dec 2025
Sports lighting photometric plans verify light levels, uniformity, and glare control. This article explains what they include and why they are required for safe…
By Teodora Boshkovska
How-to · 25 Dec 2025
Foot-candle targets help designers set lighting levels quickly. This guide explains simple rules of thumb for common interior and exterior spaces.
By Teodora Boshkovska
Explainer · 24 Dec 2025
Beam angle selection affects spacing, glare, and visual comfort. This guide explains how narrow, medium, and wide beams perform in real lighting layouts.
By Teodora Boshkovska
Explainer · 18 Dec 2025
Facade lighting uses different techniques to shape how buildings appear at night. This guide explains common methods and when each approach is appropriate.
By Teodora Boshkovska
Explainer · 18 Dec 2025
Foot-candle targets help define proper light levels in residential spaces. This guide explains recommended values for kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms.
By Anastasija Djajkova
Comparison · 18 Dec 2025
Foot-candles and lux measure the same lighting quantity using different unit systems. This article compares both units and explains when each is used in real…
By Teodora Boshkovska
Explainer · 16 Dec 2025
A foot-candle measures illuminance on a surface and is widely used in U.S. lighting standards. This guide explains the definition and practical applications.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 15 Dec 2025
BUG ratings define backlight, uplight, and glare control in outdoor lighting. This guide explains how BUG ratings affect compliance and visual comfort.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Comparison · 12 Dec 2025
Wall washing and wall grazing create very different visual effects. This comparison explains how fixture placement, beam angles, and surface texture influence the…
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 12 Dec 2025
A photometric plan shows calculated light levels and distribution across a space. This overview explains its purpose, contents, and professional use.
By Teodora Boshkovska
Explainer · 10 Dec 2025
Uniformity ratios show how evenly light is distributed. This guide explains common ratios and why they are critical for safety and performance.
By Teodora Boshkovska
Explainer · 10 Dec 2025
Lighting requirements vary by application and use. This guide summarizes typical foot-candle targets across common interior and exterior spaces.
By Teodora Boshkovska
How-to · 09 Dec 2025
Converting foot-candles to lumens helps estimate fixture output. This guide explains the conversion process and how to apply it in real projects.
By Teodora Boshkovska
How-to · 09 Dec 2025
Parking lot lighting must meet minimum light levels and uniformity ratios. This guide explains key requirements used in professional photometric plans.
By Teodora Boshkovska
How-to · 07 Dec 2025
Sports field lighting requires controlled light levels and glare management. This guide explains the basics of photometric planning for baseball and softball fields.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 05 Dec 2025
Photometric plans contain critical lighting data that must be interpreted correctly. This step-by-step guide explains how to read and understand them.
By Teodora Boshkovska
Explainer · 04 Dec 2025
Workplace lighting affects productivity, comfort, and safety. This guide explains lighting principles that support efficient and comfortable work environments.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 28 May 2025
Glare reduces visibility and visual comfort. This article explains common glare sources and practical methods to minimize it in lighting design.
By Anastasija Djajkova
How-to · 27 Mar 2025
A well-planned recessed lighting layout improves visibility and visual balance. This article explains the key benefits of creating a bright and functional space.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 16 Mar 2025
Photometric analysis evaluates lighting performance using calculated data. This guide explains how results are interpreted and applied in real projects.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 12 Mar 2025
Photometric analysis verifies parking lot lighting performance before installation. This article reviews real-world case studies and explains the results.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 03 Feb 2025
Framing projectors require precise aiming and beam control. This guide explains how to position and select fixtures for artwork illumination.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 02 Feb 2025
A professional lighting plan defines fixture placement, performance targets, and compliance. This guide explains the structure and purpose of a complete plan.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 02 Dec 2024
Wall washing depends on correct spacing and beam selection. This guide explains fixture placement rules that create uniform vertical illumination.
By Anastasija Djajkova
Explainer · 29 Nov 2024
Facade lighting shapes how architecture is perceived at night. This guide explains design intent, lighting techniques, and visual impact.
By Anastasija Djajkova
How-to · 29 Nov 2024
Proper planning ensures recessed lighting performs as intended. This guide explains spacing rules, beam angles, and layout considerations.
By Anastasija Djajkova
How-to · 16 Sept 2024
Bar lighting must balance ambiance and visibility. This guide presents three practical lighting solutions used in modern bar design.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Comparison · 22 Feb 2024
Dialux EVO and Revit serve different purposes in lighting design workflows. This comparison explains their strengths, limitations, and when each tool should be used.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 22 Feb 2024
Exterior lighting balances safety, aesthetics, and efficiency. This guide explains core principles used in professional outdoor lighting design.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 24 Jan 2024
Selecting the right chandelier depends on scale, mounting height, and light output. This step-by-step guide explains how to choose correctly.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 26 Jun 2023
Outdoor lighting requires defined foot-candle targets for safety and compliance. This guide explains recommended levels for common exterior areas.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 13 Jun 2023
Light pollution results from excessive or poorly controlled outdoor lighting. This article explains its causes, effects, and mitigation strategies.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 02 Jun 2023
Lighting calculations define fixture quantity and output. This guide explains how to calculate lighting requirements based on space and use.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 29 May 2023
Small design mistakes can lead to glare, poor uniformity, and wasted energy. This guide explains common errors and how to avoid them.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 29 May 2023
CRI describes how accurately light reveals colors. This guide explains why CRI matters in architectural and commercial lighting applications.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 21 May 2023
Photometric plans are required for permitting and design verification. This guide explains their role in code compliance and lighting approval.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 21 May 2023
Color temperature influences how a space feels and functions. This guide explains how different Kelvin values affect mood, perception, and lighting performance.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 19 May 2023
UGR and GR metrics measure glare in sports lighting. This guide explains how they affect player visibility and spectator comfort.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 02 May 2023
Baseball lighting must provide consistent visibility across the field. This guide explains basic design principles used in field lighting layouts.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 12 Mar 2023
Photometric calculations define light levels and distribution. This article explains how calculations support safe, compliant lighting designs.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 21 Sept 2022
Tennis court lighting requires precise light distribution and glare control. This guide explains how photometric plans are developed for tennis fields.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 19 Sept 2022
Football field lighting must support play, safety, and broadcast requirements. This guide explains key design considerations for soccer lighting.
By Stefan Trajkovski
How-to · 06 Sept 2022
Sports field lighting varies by sport and level of play. This guide explains general lighting principles used across different fields.
By Stefan Trajkovski
Explainer · 28 Sept 2020
Circadian lighting supports human health by aligning light exposure with biological rhythms. This guide explains the principles behind circadian design.
By Stefan TrajkovskiBefore you request a plan
Send the latest site plan, floor plan or reflected ceiling plan; preferred fixture cut sheets or IES files if available; mounting heights; and any required light-level, uniformity or property-line criteria. If something is missing, we will identify it during scope review.
Architects, electrical engineers, lighting manufacturers, contractors, developers and property owners use photometric plans to support permits, coordinate designs, compare fixtures and verify performance before installation.
Yes. We can model specified fixtures when suitable photometric data is available, or help compare options when the current selection does not meet the project targets.
A professional plan documents calculated performance against the criteria provided, but final approval remains with the authority having jurisdiction. Confirm local requirements before modeling so they can be included in the study.
Start a project
Tell us what you are lighting, where the project is located and what documentation you have. We will review the scope and respond with the next step.
Request photometric plan services