With the introduction of DIALux evo 13, numerous new features and improvements have become available, particularly in the area of nuisance light calculations and improved support for IFC models.
These features provide designers and other professionals with useful tools to manage their projects more efficiently and better evaluate the impact of their designs.
Below we take you step by step through the most important innovations DIALux evo 13 has to offer.

Nuisance light calculations

One of the most notable updates in DIALux evo 13 is the addition of a special light scene for calculating obtrusive light (obtrusive light).
Obtrusive light refers to unwanted light pollution that can disrupt the environment, such as excessively bright light radiating into residential areas or public spaces.
To effectively address this problem, a separate light scene was introduced that automatically uses a maintenance factor of 1.
This ensures that calculations are consistent and accurate.
This scene allows you to add all outdoor fixtures at once, greatly simplifying the process of evaluating the impact of external lighting.
This makes it easier to ensure that your lighting plans comply with applicable standards and regulations, such as EN 12464-2:2014.
ÖNORM O 1052:2022 is also included in this version, making DIALux evo 13 a versatile tool for international projects.

New tools for nuisance light objects

In addition to the new light scene, DIALux evo 13 has also added a tool for positioning and configuring objects that affect ambient light, such as building surfaces, barriers and other obstacles.
This tool allows you to simulate different situations of light intrusion and better adjust light distribution.
This ensures that light ends up exactly where it is needed, without undesirable effects in surrounding areas.

Calculation of nuisance light values

Another important feature in DIALux evo 13 is the ability to calculate various nuisance light values, such as:

• I (illuminance)
• ks (proportionality factor)
• Ruf (upward flux ratio),
• Rul (upward light ratio),
• RULO (upward light output ratio).
• RDLO (downward light output ratio)

These new metrics give you even more control over how your lighting affects the environment.
You can more accurately map light emissions and match them to applicable lighting standards.

Improved UGR calculations

The UGR (glare) value plays an important role in the design of lighting plans.
In DIALux evo 13, two new options have been added to calculate the UGR value:

1. A fixed value, with which you can easily compare how different setups compare.
2. A special glare luminance plane, which can be placed within the scene to simulate more complex environments.

These additional options give you more flexibility to calculate glare values to suit the specific needs of a project.

Improved IFC import

Another major benefit of the new DIALux evo 13 version is improved support for IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) models.
DIALux evo 13 introduces advanced settings for importing these models, giving users more control over how building geometry is processed.
Two import methods are now available:

• New method: This method reduces the number of operations required for solid modeling, resulting in improved stability and shorter import times.
  This is especially useful for complex projects with multiple floors, rooms, walls and windows.
• Legacy method: If problems occur with light visualization in the new method, you can switch back to the legacy method.
  This may result in longer import times, but minimizes visual effects such as shadow edges and light leaks.

This flexibility makes DIALux a useful tool for projects of any size, and it now supports projects consisting only of outdoor spaces.

Data import

The new Metaroom app allows users to scan rooms in minutes with any Apple Pro device equipped with a LiDAR sensor.
These scans can then be imported into DIALux, where different lighting options can be explored to find cost-effective, visually appealing and sustainable solutions.

Conclusion

The release of DIALux evo 13 brings with it a host of useful new features and enhancements that enable light designers and designers to work even more effectively.
Whether you want to reduce annoying light, deal more efficiently with complex IFC models or need better collaboration tools.
DIALux evo 13 offers the perfect solutions as far as we are concerned.

Getting started with DIALux

Would you like to learn how to work with DIALux yourself?
Then sign up for our DIALux Course, where you will be taken step-by-step through the use of this versatile lighting program.
Our experienced light designer Harry Rijnders is one of three certified DIALux trainers in the Netherlands.
So you are assured of a good and certified course.