Sports Lighting Photometric Software: AGi32 vs DIALux vs Visual

An engineering reference for facility designers, lighting engineers, and procurement teams evaluating photometric software for LED sports lighting projects. Covers AGi32, DIALux, and Visual photometric platforms and when each is used.

Sports lighting photometric design uses commercial software that models 3D site geometry, fixture photometric data, and surface reflectance to predict on-field performance. Three platforms dominate: AGi32, DIALux, and Visual. This guide compares them.

The Three Major Platforms

What All Three Calculate

·Horizontal and vertical illuminance grids

·Uniformity ratios (Max:Min, Avg:Min)

·Glare Rating (GR per ANSI/IES) and UGR (per CIE)

·Property-line spill calculations

·Aiming diagrams

·Bill of materials matched to modeled fixtures

Which Software Is Right for Your Project

What to Demand from a Photometric Study Regardless of Software

·All 8 required deliverables (per IES RP-6 and our AGi32 Photometric Study Guide)

·Stamped engineering documentation

·Software version and IES file dates documented

·Surface reflectance values matched to actual installed surface

·Camera-position glare validation for broadcast tier

For broader photometric methodology, see AGi32 Photometric Study Guide.

Need a photometric study? Duvon provides free 24–48 hour AGi32 photometric studies; DIALux available on request for international sanctioning projects →

Frequently Asked Questions

What photometric software is used for US sports lighting?

AGi32 (Lighting Analysts) is the de facto standard for US sports lighting design. DIALux (DIAL GmbH) is common for European and international projects, including FIFA, FIBA, and World Athletics sanctioning. Visual (Acuity Brands) is less common for sports, more for general commercial lighting.

Is AGi32 or DIALux better for sports lighting?

Both calculate the same metrics (horizontal/vertical illuminance, uniformity, GR, UGR, property-line spill, aiming diagrams, bill of materials). AGi32 is the US standard; DIALux is the international standard. For US projects, AGi32 is recommended; for FIFA / FIBA / World Athletics international sanctioning, DIALux is often required.

What should a photometric study include regardless of software?

Eight required deliverables: horizontal illuminance grid; vertical illuminance grids at sport-appropriate heights; uniformity ratios committed in writing; aiming diagram with tilt and azimuth per fixture; Glare Rating per ANSI/IES (and UGR for international); property-line spill calculation; bill of materials matched to modeled fixtures; engineer’s stamp and signature.

Does software version matter for photometric studies?

Yes for two reasons: software algorithms improve over versions; older studies use older IES files that may not reflect current fixture performance. Document software version and IES file dates in the photometric study. Re-verify every 5 years using current versions.

Does Duvon use AGi32 or DIALux?

Both. AGi32 is standard for US projects (free 24–48 hour photometric studies). DIALux is available on request for international sanctioning projects (FIFA, FIBA, World Athletics). Specify which is required based on project sanctioning context.

Can I use a photometric study from one software in a CMS that requires another?

Generally yes for the calculated outcomes (foot-candles, uniformity, glare). Different software may produce slightly different results due to algorithm differences (typically < 5% variation). For projects with strict sanctioning requirements, verify which software is acceptable to the sanctioning body. AGi32 is universally accepted in US; DIALux is universally accepted internationally.