Photometric Analysis

Make sense of polar candela charts, iso plots, and BUG ratings for any luminaire in your library.

  1. Read polar candela charts

    Understand the candela distribution polar plot, including the C0/C180 vs C90/C270 planes and how peak intensity is shown.

    4 steps · 3 min read

  2. Read iso-candela and iso-illuminance plots

    Understand contour plots that show how light spreads horizontally — both as candela (raw output) and illuminance (light landing on the ground).

    4 steps · 3 min read

  3. Understand the BUG rating

    Decode B-U-G ratings (Backlight, Uplight, Glare) used by IES TM-15-11 and many outdoor lighting ordinances.

    4 steps · 3 min read

  4. Compare two to four IES files

    Put 2–4 luminaires side by side to compare candela distribution, specs, and floor coverage before you commit to one.

    5 steps · 3 min read