C_E RoadSoft Terminology

C_E RoadSoft uses the following terms and definitions. For graphical information, follow the links to the diagrams. The information shown in between [ and ] describes the constraints in type and value for each input to C_E RoadSoft.

Contour: is the form of output showing illuminance or luminance values as plan view plots of contour lines, labelled for different values. Contour plots are saved in .png format with the file name combining the RSI filename with a _con tag (e.g. demo_con.png).
Desc.: optional text descriptions for file, luminaire, geometry or roadway input data.
File Data: is the part of the RSI file with information concerning the file itself: the filename, units and optional description.
Geometry: is the part of the RSI file that describes the pattern of luminaire locations described by the layout, spacing, mounting height and overhang(s).
IES File: is the name of a file with photometric data in IES format. The selection is limited to those fiels already in the client directory. Use the MDI Files Utility Upload feature to copy a file into the client directory.
#Lanes: number of lanes in the travelled way [integer, greater than 0]. Each lane has equal width. (the number of points times the number of lanes may not exceed 320.)
Layout: one of the defined patterns of luminaires along the roadway [L, R, O, or S], called Left Right, Opposite and Staggered. When the median is greater than zero, every layout is expanded to include luminaires located on the other side of the median. (also see Overhang and OverMedian.)
Left: the layout with luminaires only on the left-hand-side of the roadway. See the layout for left side in this diagram and the diagram with a median.
LLF: the light loss factor (LLF) for the luminaires [real, greater than 0.01 up to 1.0]. This value should reflect the worst-case situation over the maintenance cycle.
Longitudinal: the direction along the the roadway, in the direction of travel, compare with transverse.
Luminaires: is the part of the RSI file with information concerning the light sources, described by the photometric file, along with the rated lumens and the LLF, and located as defined in the geometry.
Median: the distance from the left-hand edge of one traveled wy to the other [real, greater than 0, default = 0]. When the median is greater than zero, there are additional lanes included on "the other side" of the median, and additional luminaires included in the calculation, following the specified layout.
Mounting Ht: the distance from the roadway up to the luminaire.
Opposite: the layout with luminaires directly across the roadway from each other. See the layout for opposite in this diagram and the diagram with a median.
Overhang: the transverse distance from the edge of and in towards the roadway [real, any value], negative values correspond to setback.
OverMedian: is the overhang distance from the edge of a median (and then overhang applies to any luminaires on the outside of the roadway).
Output: is the results from the calculation, with choices for numerical or graphical information. The Values link opens a new window to display all output corresponding to the currently selected RSI File. At the top is the numerical summary reporting the inputs used and details of the results that correspond to the RP-8 criteria. Additional numerical results follow, including details on all the luminaires and values for illuminance, luminance and veiling luminance calculations corresponding to each of the calculation points. The Contour and Shaded links each open a window to display a plan view of the illuminance and luminance results graphically, showing only those luminaires immediately adjacent to the calculation grid.
#Points Along: number of calculation points along the roadway in one spacing [integer, from 10 up]. This is the minimum number of points along each of the two longitudinal lines in each lane. There must be at least 10 points aand they must not be more than 5 meters apart (set automatically by C_E RoadSoft). (the number of points tiems the number of lanes may not exceed 320.)
Right: the layout with luminaires only on the right-hand-side of the roadway. See the layout for right side in this diagram and the diagram with a median.
Road Class: refers to the roadway surface classification per RP-8 as one of four defined types [R1, R2, R3, R4]. R1 is considered representative of concrete surfaces while R3 is the typical for asphalt/blacktop, and considered the default.
Roadway: is the part of the RSI file that defines the grid of calculation points represnting the traveled way, comprised of a number of lanes of equal width, with a horizontal surface described by a 'R' class. This does not include any shoulders, breakdown lanes or other paved areas outside the traveled way.
RSI File: the entire set of input values and optional descriptions. Use the Open command button to access an existing RSI file.
Rtd Lumens: the rated lumen value for the photometric file of the luminaire [real, 0 defaults to value in photometric file]. This value should relate to the initial rated lumens for the intended lamp.
Setback: the transverse distance, measured from the edge of the roadway and away from it, appplied in C_E RoadSoft as negative values [real, less than 0] for overhang.
Shaded: is the form of output showing illuminance or luminance values as plan view plots of colored dots, with different shades for different values. Shaded plots are saved in .png format with the file name combining the RSI filename with a _sha tag (e.g. demo_sha.png).
Spacing: the longitudinal distance between luminaire locations [real, greater than 0]. See layout and corresponding diagrams.
Staggered: the layout with luminaires alternately across the roadway. See the layout for staggered in this diagram and the diagram with a median.
Transverse: the direction across the roadway, perpendicular to the direction of travel, compare with longitudinal.
Units: the units used for all dimension in the input file: Feet or Meters [F or M].
Values: is the link to show numerical output from the calculation as a composite text file made from several .rw output files. The link opens a new window to display all output corresponding to the currently selected RSI File. To save the composite file to a local device, use the browser's File/SaveAs command. At the top is the numerical summary reporting the inputs used and details of the results that correspond to the RP-8 criteria. Additional numerical results follow, including details on all the luminaires and values for illuminance, luminance and veiling luminance calculations corresponding to each of the calculation points.
Width: the transverse dimension of one lane [real, greater than 0], where each lane has the same width.