Sun Path & Environmental Analysis

SKILL.md

---
name: sun-path
version: 1.4.1
description: Generates a sun path diagram, calculates solar position, performs building shadow analysis, and analyzes thermal comfort.
author: qrost
permissions:
  - shell:exec
---

# Sun Path & Environmental Analysis

This skill provides comprehensive environmental analysis tools for architects and designers.

## Dependencies

This skill requires Python and the following libraries:

- `pysolar` (solar calculations)
- `matplotlib` (plotting)
- `pytz` (timezone handling)
- `shapely` (geometry calculations for shadows)
- `numpy` (math)
- `rasterio` (for terrain/DEM shadow; optional for DEM features)

**Setup:** OpenClaw does not install Python packages automatically. After installing this skill (e.g. via `clawhub install sun-path`), run once from the skill folder or with the path to it: `pip install -r requirements.txt`. If a script fails with `ModuleNotFoundError`, install the missing package from the list above or from `requirements.txt`.

## Sending images to Telegram

Used from the OpenClaw Telegram conversation. Scripts that produce images (`plot_sunpath.py`, `shadow_calc.py`, `comfort_calc.py`, `annual_sun_hours.py --output`, `terrain_shadow.py --plot`) write PNG/JPG to the path you pass. Run the script with an `--output` (or `--plot` and use the script’s default image path), then **send that image file** to the user via the OpenClaw message/media tool so they see it in chat.

**OpenClaw allowed paths:** The message tool only sends files from allowed dirs (`~/.openclaw/media/`, `~/.openclaw/agents/`, or `/tmp`). Always pass an output path under one of these (e.g. `--output ~/.openclaw/media/sunpath.png` or `/tmp/shadow.png`); do not use the skill install directory or sending will fail.

**Agent behavior:** When the user asks for sun position, sun path diagram, shadow, annual sun hours chart, comfort chart, or terrain shadow, **run the corresponding script directly** with `exec` and pass an image output path under an allowed dir; then send the generated PNG/JPG to the user. Do not ask for confirmation; execute and return the image and a short summary.

## Usage

### 1. Calculate Sun Position

Get the current azimuth and altitude for a specific location.

```bash
python3 scripts/sun_calc.py --lat 34.05 --lon -118.24 --timezone "America/Los_Angeles"
```

### 2. Generate Sun Path Diagram

Create a polar chart showing the sun's path throughout the year.

```bash
python3 scripts/plot_sunpath.py --lat 34.05 --lon -118.24 --output sunpath.png
```

### 3. Shadow Analysis (2D)

Simulate the shadow cast by a simple building (cuboid) at a specific time.

**Parameters:**

- `--lat`, `--lon`: Location coordinates.
- `--time`: Date/Time in ISO format (e.g., "2024-06-21T12:00:00") or "now".
- `--width`, `--depth`: Building footprint dimensions (meters).
- `--height`: Building height (meters).
- `--rotation`: Rotation in degrees clockwise from North.
- `--output`: Output image filename.

```bash
python3 scripts/shadow_calc.py --lat 34.05 --lon -118.24 --time "2024-06-21T15:00:00" --width 15 --depth 10 --height 20 --rotation 45 --output shadow_analysis.png
```

### 4. Annual Sun / Shadow Hours at a Point

Compute how many hours per year a given point is in **direct sun**, in **building shadow**, or **night** (sun below horizon). Uses the same building cuboid and 2D shadow model as Shadow Analysis; point is given in meters from building center.

**Parameters:**

- `--lat`, `--lon`: Location coordinates.
- `--width`, `--depth`, `--height`, `--rotation`: Building dimensions and rotation (same as shadow analysis).
- `--point-x`, `--point-y`: Point to evaluate (meters from building center; e.g. North = positive X if rotation 0).
- `--year`: Year (default: current year).
- `--interval`: Sample interval in minutes (default 60; smaller = more accurate, slower).
- `--timezone`: Timezone for the year (e.g. `Asia/Shanghai`).
- `--output`: Optional; save a monthly bar chart (sun / shadow / night hours) to this file.

```bash
# Example: point 15 m north of building center, Shanghai, 2024
python3 scripts/annual_sun_hours.py --lat 31.23 --lon 121.47 --width 10 --depth 10 --height 20 --point-x 15 --point-y 0 --year 2024 --timezone Asia/Shanghai

# With monthly chart
python3 scripts/annual_sun_hours.py --lat 31.23 --lon 121.47 --width 10 --depth 10 --height 20 --point-x 15 --point-y 0 --year 2024 --timezone Asia/Shanghai --output annual_hours.png
```

Output: total hours in sun, in shadow, and at night, plus optional monthly breakdown chart.

### 5. Terrain Shadow (DEM)

Compute binary shadow (sun vs shadow) on terrain from a GeoTIFF DEM at a given time. Uses sun position and ray casting; suitable for modest DEM sizes (for 1GB RAM, keep grid under ~2000×2000 or process smaller crops).

**Parameters:**

- `dem`: Path to GeoTIFF DEM.
- `--lat`, `--lon`: Latitude/longitude for sun position.
- `--time`: Time in ISO format or "now" (interpreted in `--timezone` then converted to UTC).
- `--timezone`: Timezone name (e.g. `Asia/Shanghai`).
- `--output`: Output GeoTIFF path (default: `terrain_shadow.tif`).
- `--plot`: Also save a PNG visualization.
- `--step`: Ray step in pixels (default 1; larger = faster, less accurate).

```bash
# Example: shadow at noon local time
python3 scripts/terrain_shadow.py /path/to/dem.tif --lat 31.23 --lon 121.47 --time "2024-06-21T12:00:00" --timezone Asia/Shanghai --output shadow.tif --plot
```

### 6. Comfort Analysis (Psychrometric Chart)

Visualize current temperature and humidity on a psychrometric chart to assess thermal comfort.

**Parameters:**

- `--temp`: Dry bulb temperature (°C).
- `--rh`: Relative humidity (%).
- `--output`: Output image filename.

```bash
python3 scripts/comfort_calc.py --temp 28 --rh 60 --output comfort_chart.png
```

## Examples

**User:** "What is the sun position in Los Angeles right now?"
**Action:**

1. Identify coordinates for Los Angeles (Lat: 34.05, Lon: -118.24).
2. Run `sun_calc.py`.
3. Return azimuth and altitude.

**User:** "Show me the shadow of a 20m tall, 10x10m building in Shanghai on winter solstice at 2 PM."
**Action:**

1. Identify coordinates (Shanghai: 31.23, 121.47).
2. Identify time (Winter Solstice: 2024-12-21 14:00).
3. Run `shadow_calc.py`:

   ```bash
   python3 scripts/shadow_calc.py --lat 31.23 --lon 121.47 --time "2024-12-21T14:00:00" --width 10 --depth 10 --height 20 --output shanghai_shadow.png
   ```

4. Return the image.

**User:** "Is it comfortable in Singapore right now? Temp is 32C, Humidity 80%."
**Action:**

1. Run `comfort_calc.py`:

   ```bash
   python3 scripts/comfort_calc.py --temp 32 --rh 80 --output singapore_comfort.png
   ```

2. Return the image and analysis.

**User:** "How many hours per year is this point in sun vs shadow? Building 10×10×20m, point 15m north."
**Action:**

1. Run `annual_sun_hours.py` with site lat/lon, building dimensions, and `--point-x 15 --point-y 0`.
2. Return the printed summary (direct sun / shadow / night hours) and optionally the monthly chart if `--output` was used.

**User:** "Where is the terrain in shadow at this site at 2 PM? I have a DEM."
**Action:**

1. Run `terrain_shadow.py` with the DEM path, site `--lat`/`--lon`, and `--time` (e.g. 14:00 local), `--timezone`, and `--output`/`--plot`.
2. Return the shadow raster and/or PNG and a short summary.