Introduction

In today’s high-level sports events, the outcome of competition often hinges on differences measured in milliseconds or millimetres, while the visual experience for both spectators and television audiences relies on every high-definition image. Behind both these aspects lies the indispensable role of a high-performance sports lighting system. It must be emphasized that even the most sophisticated design proposals or the most expensive lighting equipment cannot directly equate to a compliant competition lighting environment. To determine whether sports lighting meets the stringent requirements for fair competition, athlete safety, and high-definition television broadcasts, we must rely on the critical process of lighting measurement. Lighting measurement is not merely a simple assessment of brightness or illuminance; it constitutes a comprehensive, scientific evaluation of the sports venues’ lighting environment. Using professional precision instruments, technicians collect data point by point at pre-set measurement grid locations across the venue. This transforms subjective visual perceptions into quantifiable, objective metrics such as illuminance, uniformity, uniformity gradient (What’s uniformity gradient?), and color rendering. By comparing these results with the lighting design (simulation outcomes) and relevant standards, we can determine whether the lighting performance meets specifications. This process bridges the gap between theoretical design and practical application. Let us now delve into the main text for further details about lighting measurement.

What’s lighting measurement or field measurement?

Lighting measurement, or field measurement, constitutes a critical field procedure for scientifically quantifying the actual performance of a sports lighting system following installation. This process involves confirming the measurement grid and measuring area, selecting and calibrating measurement equipment, measuring key parameters at grid points (such as horizontal illuminance, vertical illuminance, uniformity gradient, luminance, and color quality), and analyzing and comparing the measurement results. Through data analysis, we can verify whether luminaire installation meets lighting standard requirements, such as illuminance, uniformity, and uniformity gradient. It also assesses compliance with international broadcast standards and professional/television sports event lighting requirements for metrics like CRI, TLCI (TLCI vs CRI), and vertical illuminance. Where non-compliance is identified, it guides installation optimization to ensure final outcomes meet specifications. Essentially, this constitutes a critical step in translating lighting design from theory into a reliable, high-performance reality. It parallels quality control on a production line, though lighting measurement involves more intricate procedures, which we shall elaborate upon in subsequent sections.

Why go with lighting measurement?

Acceptance criteria

The fundamental purpose of sports lighting measurements is to serve as acceptance criteria, with the core objective being to ensure the actual installation outcome aligns with or closely approximates the preliminary lighting design specifications. Whether concerning luminaire positioning, mounting height, or preset illumination parameters such as illuminance, uniformity (What’s light uniformity?), and glare, professional measurement is essential to validate these aspects. This prevents discrepancies between design and implementation, providing objective and precise criteria for sports lighting acceptance. It ensures that substandard installations are not put into operation.

Optimizing installation

Lighting measurements enable targeted refinement of installation details. When measurement results deviate from design specifications, it enables prompt identification of root causes to prevent latent hazards. Examples include verifying whether luminaire luminous flux (Watts vs lumens) meets standards, assessing installation distribution rationality, and confirming lens selection aligns with pitch requirements. Through data analysis, we swiftly pinpoint issues beyond visual assessment, facilitating timely adjustments and rectifications. Optimized installations ensure lighting systems deliver peak performance, avoiding costly rework later.

The essence of lighting

The core purpose of all lighting measurements and adjustments is to ensure the sports pitch lighting meets design standards or achieves further optimization. Qualified lighting safeguards athletes’ visual comfort during play, preventing glare or dimness that could impair performance; enhances spectators’ viewing experience, enabling clear observation of pitch details; and upholds the reputation and interests of pitch managers. A well-lit environment also attracts public participation in sports, garnering positive social feedback and highlighting the practical value of the sports venues.

How to go with lighting measurement?

Area to measure and measurement grid

Lighting measurement areas typically refer to the play area (PA) and total area (TA) as defined in standards, and additionally encompass measurements for spectator seating and emergency lighting. For certain sports, the PA and TA are identical, such as football, volleyball, and basketball. Other sports differ, such as tennis courts (More about tennis court lighting design). In the former case, only the PA may be measured, while in the latter, both PA and TA require lighting measurement. To reduce the workload, for large sports venues with fully symmetrical lighting installations where illumination parameters exhibit symmetrical distribution, measurement may be confined to half or a quarter of the venue.

A lighting measurement grid is a virtual or physical array of points used to systematically measure the illuminance/luminance levels on a surface. This ensures uniformity, performance, and compliance with standards such as EN 12464-1, EN 12464-2, EN 13201, and EN 12193 (EN12193 sports light standard). It divides areas into computable zones for precise measurement or design, typically employing illuminance meters or luminance meters at specific grid points for detailed analysis. For instance, standard football pitches utilize a 19×13 grid, tennis courts employ a 15×7 grid, and basketball courts adopt a 13×7 grid.

Measuring conditions

Due to uncontrollable factors and complex conditions in the field environment, there remains a certain discrepancy between the results of on-site lighting measurements and those of lighting simulations (theoretical calculations). Therefore, it is essential to meticulously document all factors influencing the operation of the lighting system. Should the gap between actual performance and anticipated results widen, corrective measures must be implemented to mitigate this discrepancy. Prior to lighting measurement, new luminaires must be ensured to have clean surfaces, whilst for older fixtures, their actual operational duration and maintenance history should be documented. Concurrently, all light sources must reach a stable operating state before measurement. For instance, high-intensity gas discharge lamps require preheating for over one hour, fluorescent lamps necessitate a longer stabilization period, and LED luminaires are also recommended to operate stably for approximately 50-70 minutes. Circuit voltage and ambient temperature must be measured on-site and recorded to accurately reflect their impact on light output. The fixture’s installation position and tilt angle should be meticulously documented during lighting measurement, as it significantly influences sports lighting. When the actual measurement results differ significantly from expectations, this requires immediate attention and adjustment. For more information on how to determine the installation angle or aiming point of the luminaires, please refer to the article “Aim of sports floodlights“.

Lighting measuring equipments

Lighting measurement primarily involves collecting illuminance data, hence an illuminance meter or lux meter is essential. Naturally, where feasible, measurements of color temperature, color rendering index, and spectral distribution should also be taken to verify compliance with project requirements. Some modern lux meters can now measure these parameters as well. The luxmeter must undergo regular calibration and revision. Furthermore, it should possess levelling capability for horizontal illumination measurements and enable precise positioning on other measurement planes. The lux meter should be positioned where it cannot be obstructed by observers and remains free from interference by extraneous light sources. Luminance meters are generally not required for sports ground lighting applications, except when measuring glare. Beside glare cannot be measured directly; instead, it is calculated using illuminance and luminance meter readings alongside glare calculation formulas. For further details, please refer to Glare and strategies to reduce glare.

Lighting measuring results

All data pertaining to the pitch (as detailed in the “Measurement Conditions” section) must be documented through drawings, photographs, and descriptions, alongside records of the measuring instruments and measurement procedures. Data content shall include not only illuminance, luminance, colour rendering index (CRI vs luminaire efficacy), and color temperature, but also measurement times, temperature, voltage, and the operational status of luminaires. Measurement values should be recorded in tabular form, as graphs, photographs, or digital storage, and via screen displays. Based on the measured illuminance values, the minimum illuminance Emin, maximum illuminance Emax, and average illuminance Eave can be determined. Subsequently, illuminance uniformity U1 and U2 can be confirmed using these illuminance values. Glare assessment is relatively complex; ZGSM does not recommend measurement or calculation, relying instead on Dialux simulation results or subjective perception. Furthermore, during testing, luminaires exhibiting abnormal operation should be excluded, and the installation status of luminaires should be documented. Finally, comparisons with lighting simulations can verify whether outcomes align with expectations, or against lighting requirements to confirm compliance.

ZGSM LED sports lighting design

Summary

In modern high-level sporting events, a level playing field, athlete safety, and high-definition television broadcasts all depend directly on high-quality sports lighting. However, excellent lighting design and expensive high mast lights do not equate to high-quality illumination. To ensure lighting performance genuinely meets event requirements or design specifications, it is essential to undergo a scientific, quantitative on-site assessment process known as lighting measurement. Lighting measurement, or field measurement, is the process of systematically collecting key optical parameters—primarily illuminance (and occasionally luminance, color temperature, and color rendering index)—at predetermined grid points using specialized instruments (mainly lux meters) after luminaire installation. This enables the determination of metrics such as uniformity, uniformity gradient, and vertical illuminance (Vertical illuminance and it’s required by televised sports lighting design), thereby verifying whether actual lighting performance aligns with design expectations, contractual agreements, and relevant international standards. Implementing lighting measurement requires meticulous planning of measurement zones and grids, controlling measurement conditions (such as luminaire stabilization time, voltage, and ambient temperature), and standardized use of equipment like illuminance meters. Ultimately, analyzing and comparing measurement data not only confirms whether the lighting system meets standards but also provides reliable evidence for optimizing installation and enhancing performance. For further information, please contact ZGSM.

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