Professional Engineering Series

AGi32 Sports Lighting Design Guide: From Layout to Verified Foot-Candle Performance

AGi32 Sports Lighting Design Guide: From Layout to Verified Foot-Candle Performance

How to Translate Lighting Requirements into Photometric Models, Aiming Strategy, and Verified Field Performance

What AGi32 Actually Is

AGi32 is the industry-standard photometric calculation software used to model, analyze, and verify lighting performance before installation. It is not a visualization tool—it is an engineering platform that predicts:

  • Horizontal and vertical foot-candles

  • Uniformity ratios

  • Light distribution across complex geometries

  • Spill light and property line impact

Any sports lighting system that is not validated in AGi32 is not engineered—it is estimated.

Why AGi32 Determines Whether a System Works

Lighting performance cannot be judged by:

  • Fixture wattage

  • Lumen output

  • Cut sheets

These are component-level metrics. Sports lighting is a system-level outcome.

AGi32 answers the only question that matters:

  • What will the field actually look like once installed?

Without this, design risk is high and performance is unpredictable.

The Design Workflow (From Requirement to Model)

A correct AGi32 workflow follows a defined sequence:

  1. Define performance targets (IES Class, foot-candles, uniformity)

  2. Build field geometry (dimensions, elevations, surrounding context)

  3. Establish pole locations and mounting heights

  4. Select fixture type and optical distribution

  5. Apply initial aiming strategy

  6. Run photometric calculations

  7. Adjust layout to optimize performance

Skipping steps leads to inaccurate results.

Step 1: Define Performance Criteria

Every model begins with:

  • Target foot-candles (horizontal + vertical)

  • Uniformity ratios

  • Sport-specific requirements

This anchors the design to standards such as IES RP-6-22.

If targets are unclear, the model has no validity.

Step 2: Field Geometry & Environment

Accurate modeling requires:

  • Field or court dimensions

  • Surface reflectance

  • Pole setbacks

  • Surrounding structures

Errors in geometry produce misleading results—even with correct fixtures.

Step 3: Pole Layout & Mounting Height

Pole configuration determines:

  • Coverage area

  • Glare angles

  • Uniformity potential

Key variables:

  • Height (critical for distribution)

  • Quantity (4-pole, 6-pole, multi-array)

  • Placement relative to field

Poor geometry cannot be corrected with more light.

Step 4: Fixture Selection & Optical Distribution

Fixtures must be selected based on:

  • Beam angle

  • Distribution pattern

  • Optical control

Indirect asymmetric reflector systems:

  • Improve vertical illuminance

  • Reduce glare

  • Increase efficiency

Fixture selection defines how light behaves—not just how much is produced.

Step 5: Aiming Strategy (Most Critical Step)

Aiming determines:

  • Where light lands

  • How evenly it is distributed

  • How much glare is created

Effective aiming:

  • Cross-lights the field

  • Avoids direct player sightlines

  • Balances intensity across zones

Most poor designs fail at this step.

Step 6: Horizontal & Vertical Illuminance Grids

AGi32 generates:

  • Horizontal grids (surface performance)

  • Vertical grids (player visibility)

Both are required.

Designs that omit vertical data are incomplete and often misleading.

Step 7: Uniformity Verification

Uniformity is calculated as:

  • Max:Min ratios

  • Min:Avg ratios (in some cases)

This ensures consistent lighting across all areas.

Uniformity must be achieved through layout and optics—not over-lighting.

Step 8: Spill Light & Property Line Analysis

AGi32 models light beyond the field:

  • Property line foot-candles

  • Light trespass

  • Zoning compliance

This is critical for:

  • Municipal approval

  • Community acceptance

Ignoring this leads to redesign or rejection.

Step 9: Iteration & Optimization

A valid design requires multiple iterations:

  • Adjust aiming angles

  • Modify pole placement

  • Optimize fixture count

The goal is to achieve:

  • Target performance

  • Minimum system cost

  • Maximum optical efficiency

One-pass designs are rarely correct.

Output Deliverables (What Should Be Included)

A complete AGi32 package includes:

  • Horizontal illuminance grid

  • Vertical illuminance grid

  • Uniformity summary

  • Fixture schedule

  • Aiming diagrams

  • Rendered layout (optional)

Anything less is incomplete.

Indirect Asymmetric Optics in AGi32 Modeling

When modeled correctly, indirect asymmetric systems show:

  • Higher vertical illuminance at lower wattage

  • Reduced high-angle intensity

  • Improved uniformity

  • Lower spill light

This is visible directly in the photometric results.

Common Modeling Mistakes

  • Using incorrect IES files

  • Ignoring vertical illuminance

  • Unrealistic aiming angles

  • Incorrect pole heights

  • No spill light analysis

These produce designs that look correct—but fail in the field.

Verification vs Marketing

A key distinction:

  • Marketing claims describe fixtures

  • AGi32 results verify performance

Only one is enforceable in specifications.

Specification Strategy (How to Use AGi32 to Control Bids)

Strong specifications require:

  • AGi32 photometric submission

  • Vertical + horizontal data

  • Aiming diagrams

  • Pre-bid validation

This prevents:

  • Low-cost substitutions

  • Underperforming systems

  • Post-installation issues

Conclusion

AGi32 is not optional—it is the foundation of modern sports lighting design. It transforms lighting from a product selection process into an engineered system with predictable performance.

By combining accurate modeling, indirect asymmetric optics, and iterative optimization, lighting systems can meet performance targets, reduce cost, and ensure compliance before installation.

For performance standards, see IES RP-6-22 Explained. For visibility metrics, refer to Horizontal vs Vertical Foot-Candles.