# Map, search, and views

Find a site, choose imagery, inspect the design in 3D, and review shadows.

Source: https://docs.solesca.com/editor/map/

## Find a place

Click **Go to location** in the toolbar or press `/`. Enter an address, place, or coordinates, then select a result.

Use the arrow keys to move through suggestions and `Enter` to choose one. `Esc` clears or closes the search. If the address service is unavailable, use **Retry**.

## View cube

Use the view cube to inspect the site from above or from the side.

- Click a face to jump to that direction.
- Drag the cube to orbit.
- Use the compass ring to change heading.
- Use the home control to fit the project in the view.
- Use the turn controls to rotate the view.

## Lens bar

**Ortho** shows an orthographic view. **Persp** shows perspective. The zoom buttons and scroll wheel change the view scale.

Drag the map to pan. Hold `Shift` while dragging to orbit. The scale bar shows distances in your selected unit system.

## Map layers

Open **Map layers** at the bottom left.

| Scene | View |
| --- | --- |
| **World** | Photorealistic 3D imagery |
| **Base** | 2D aerial imagery |

**Base** offers Google, Bing, Nearmap, and Esri imagery. Nearmap needs your organization's connection under **Settings › Features › Integrations**.

Use **Imports** to show or hide uploaded files and terrain. **Overlays** contains the available map overlays, including **Shadows**. Availability can depend on the site, view, and connected services.

## Line up 2D imagery with 3D

Different imagery sources may not line up exactly. When prompted, choose **Align imagery** to move the imagery beneath the design, or **Align layers** to move the affected layers.

During alignment:

- Drag to position the moving side.
- Use arrow keys for small adjustments and `Shift` for larger steps.
- Enter **East** and **North** offsets when needed.
- Click **Done** to apply or **Cancel** to discard.

Review the result in both 2D and 3D. Use **Adjust imagery alignment…** to revisit an alignment. Moving imagery does not improve the accuracy of the underlying map data.

## Shadows

Turn on **Shadows** in **Map layers › Overlays**. Use the sun controls to choose **Today**, a solstice, or an equinox, and change the time of day.

Move the time control or play through the day to inspect shadows across roofs, canopies, and ground-mount arrays. Use the offered shade-color controls to inspect the display.

The shadow view helps you understand the layout. Run [Model](https://docs.solesca.com/editor/simulate/) for an energy estimate.

## Measure

Choose **Measure** in the toolbar or press `D`, then follow the measurement prompts on the map. For estimated roof slopes and object heights, see [3D measurements](https://docs.solesca.com/editor/3d-measurements/).

## Attribution

The map credit line identifies the imagery providers. Keep source attribution with images and deliverables where it is included.