> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.plantpredict.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Map Overview > Design and visualize a power plant layout on an interactive 2D map with automated array placement and site constraints The Power Plant Builder (On Map) provides an interactive 2D map-based interface for designing solar power plants visually. Unlike the Block-by-Block approach, the map-based design allows you to define site boundaries, constraints, and array placement directly on a satellite or terrain view. Note that when designing on a map, there are some restrictions to design complexity that are not present when configuring the power plant by block. ## Overview Power Plant Builder Map Interface Overview The Map Interface is organized into the following sections: 1. **Header Bar** — Contains navigation breadcrumbs, conversion options, export tools, and save functionality. 2. **Power Plant Parameters / Map Overlay Panel** — Collapsible left panel for configuring inverter, module, DC/AC design, losses, and slope parameters. 3. **Map Canvas and Design Editor Toolbox** — Central interactive map with right-side toolbar for drawing, selection, and measurement tools. 4. **Design Results Pane** — Bottom panel showing site specifications, cut-fill data, and environmental assessment integration. 5. **Transect Environmental Assessment** — Integrated environmental due diligence data for permitting risk assessment. *** ## User Inputs ### Header Bar The Header Bar provides quick access to design conversion options, **3D shade scene** workflows, visualization tools, report generation, and data import/export functionality. Use these controls to convert your map design to other formats, create or update a 3D scene from the map layout, generate professional reports, or exchange data with external CAD and GIS applications. Map Builder header with Create Shade Scene From Map Layout and other actions
Input Type Description Related Documentation
**Create Shade Scene From Map Layout** Button Creates a 3D shade scene from the current map layout and associates it with the project so you can run [3D Scene](/user-guide/ui/3d-scene-overview) calculations without manually downloading a PVC from Map Builder and uploading it to the prediction. If a 3D scene already exists, this action can push an updated layout to that scene, subject to the same workflow. Also available alongside **Convert to Block Builder** in the header toolbar. [3D Scene Overview](/user-guide/ui/3d-scene-overview)
**Convert to Block Builder** Button Converts the current map-based design to an equivalent Block Builder design. **Note:** This is a one-directional conversion—you will not be able to convert back to a map design after this action. [Block Overview](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-block)
**Clone to Block Builder** Button Creates a clone of the current design in Block Builder form. This is a safer approach than **Convert** as no map builder information is lost—the original map design remains intact. [Block Overview](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-block)
**3D View** Button Opens the 3D View of the current design, allowing you to visualize the array layout in three dimensions with terrain and shading analysis. [3D View](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-3d-view)
**PLP-1000** Button Opens a modal for configuring and generating a PDF download of the array layout (PLP-1000 report). Configuration options include: **Base Layer** (Satellite or Terrain), **Layer Visibility** (KML Import, Setbacks, Constraint Offsets, Site Boundaries, Constraints with Labels, DC Flood, Annotations), and **Report Details** (Project Developer, Project Name, Design Name, MWac Net Capacity, Redacted Version). [PLP-1000 Layout](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-plp1000)
**Bill of Materials** Button Opens a modal displaying a high-level bill of materials for the current design. Displays quantities for: Tables, Modules, Inverters, Combiner Boxes, Harness Pairs, and Home Runs (in linear meters). Click **Download BOM (xlsx)** to export to Excel. —
**Upload Data** Button Opens a modal for uploading data files. **KMZ files** allow importing boundaries and exclusions. **DEM (Digital Elevation Model)** files allow importing custom elevation data for the site. —
**Download Data** Button Opens the Export Map modal with format options. Available formats: **KMZ** (Google Earth), **DXF** (CAD), **SHP** (ESRI/GIS), **PVC** (PVCollada), **CSV** (Array Area Capacity Report or TerrainPro format). Select the desired **Output Coordinate System** before exporting. —
*** ### Power Plant Parameters / Map Overlay Panel The Power Plant Parameters panel is the primary configuration hub for your solar array design. Here you can select inverter and module equipment, set DC and AC capacity targets, configure the DC:AC ratio, and access detailed design tabs for DC layout, AC design, system losses, and slope constraints. The Map Overlays section allows you to control layer visibility and styling on the map. Power Plant Parameters Panel
Input Type Description Related Documentation
**Power Plant Parameters** Panel Left-side collapsible panel containing all power plant configuration options including module and inverter file selection, MWDC/MWAC targets, DC:AC ratio, and tabbed sections for DC Design, AC Design, Losses, and Slope Design. Also provides access to the Custom Array Editor. [Power Plant Parameters](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-map-parameters)
**Map Overlays** Panel Provides controls for layer visibility and styling on the map, including options for displaying various GIS data layers. [Basemap and Overlays](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-map-overlays)
*** ### Map Canvas and Design Editor Toolbox The Map Canvas is the central workspace where you visualize and interact with your power plant design. Use this area to view your site boundary, constraints, and array layout overlaid on satellite or terrain imagery. The canvas supports pan, zoom, and direct interaction with design elements, and provides real-time feedback as you modify your layout. The Design Editor Toolbox on the right side provides a comprehensive set of drawing and manipulation tools for creating and editing your site layout. Map Canvas and Design Editor Toolbox
Icon Tool Type Description
Collapse/Expand Panel **Collapse / Expand Panel** Toggle Toggles the visibility of the Power Plant Parameters and Map Overlays panel to maximize the map viewing area.
Display Power Plant Parameters **Display Power Plant Parameters** Button Displays the Power Plant Parameters section in the left panel when the panel is expanded.
Display GIS Overlay Options **Display GIS Overlay Options** Button Displays the Map Overlays section in the left panel, providing controls for layer visibility and styling.
Hide/Display Design Results Pane **Hide / Display Design Results Pane** Toggle Toggles the visibility of the Design Results Pane at the bottom of the screen to maximize the map viewing area.
Toggle Satellite/Terrain View **Toggle Satellite / Terrain View** Toggle Toggles the map underlay between Terrain view (showing topographic contours and elevation) and Satellite imagery. See [Basemap and Overlays](/user-guide/ui/power-plant-builder-map-overlays) for details on basemap data sources.
Center and Zoom on Design **Center and Zoom on Design** Button Centers the map view and zooms to fit the entire design layout within the visible canvas area.
Zoom In/Out **Zoom In / Zoom Out** Button Adjusts the map zoom level to view more or less detail of the design area.
Undo/Redo **Undo / Redo** Button Undoes or redoes the last action performed on the map canvas.
Select Feature **Select Feature** Button Activates single-click selection mode to select individual features (boundaries, constraints, arrays) on the map.
Select Features in Box **Select Features in Box** Button Activates box selection mode to select multiple features by drawing a rectangle on the map.
Draw Site Boundary **Draw Site Boundary** Button Activates drawing mode to create a new site boundary polygon by clicking points on the map.
Create Site Boundary **Create Site Boundary** Button Creates a site boundary from coordinates or by importing geometry data.
Create Linear Constraint **Create Linear Constraint** Button Activates drawing mode to create linear constraints (e.g., roads, pipelines, streams) that arrays must avoid.
Create Area Constraint **Create Area Constraint** Button Activates drawing mode to create area constraints (e.g., wetlands, protected zones) that exclude array placement.
Create Point Constraint **Create Point Constraint** Button Activates drawing mode to create point constraints (e.g., wells, utility poles) with configurable exclusion buffers.
Create Annotation **Create Annotation** Button Adds text annotations to the map for documentation and labeling purposes.
Create Leader Arrow **Create Leader Arrow** Button Creates leader arrows to point to specific features or areas on the map with associated labels.
Create Cut/Fill Analysis **Create Cut/Fill Analysis** Button Defines an area for cut/fill analysis to evaluate earthwork requirements based on terrain and design elevations.
Measure **Measure** Button Activates measurement mode to measure distances and areas on the map.
Duplicate Selected Features **Duplicate Selected Features** Button Creates copies of the currently selected features on the map.
Drag Selected Features **Drag Selected Features** Button Enables drag mode to reposition selected features on the map.
Delete Selected Features **Delete Selected Features** Button Removes the currently selected features from the map.
*** ### Design Results Pane The Design Results Pane displays key metrics and analysis results for your power plant design. View site specifications including estimated area, boundary dimensions, DC and AC capacity, DC:AC ratio, buildable area, array area, site capacity, and boundary utilization. Toggle between Site Specifications and Cut-Fill Data views to analyze earthwork requirements for your project. Design Results Pane
Input Type Description Related Documentation
**Design Results Pane** Panel Bottom panel displaying site metrics. Toggle between **Site Specifications** (showing Estimated area, Boundary, MWDC, MWAC, DC:AC Ratio, Buildable Area, Array Area, Site Capacity, Boundary Utilization) and **Cut-Fill Data** for earthwork analysis results. —
*** ### Transect Environmental Assessment The Transect integration provides environmental due diligence data directly within the Power Plant Builder, helping you identify potential permitting risks and environmental concerns early in the design process. Access buildable area estimates and risk ratings for protected species, waterways, protected areas, and environmental compliance—all without leaving the application. Transect Integration Location The Transect panel is accessible from the Design Results Pane and provides the following environmental analysis: * **Buildable Area Range**: Estimated percentage and acreage of developable land * **Environmental Permit Concerns**: Risk ratings (Low/Medium/High) for: * **Protected Species**: Detection of protected species in the area * **Waters**: Streams and flood plains analysis * **Protected Areas**: Public protected land areas * **Environmental Compliance**: Publicly owned areas assessment Ratings are provided for both the full Boundary Area and the Boundary minus Constraint Areas.
Input Type Description
**View Site Assessment** Button Opens the Transect environmental assessment panel to view environmental permit concerns for your site. This initial assessment is provided free of charge.
**Order Mini Report** Button Requests a detailed environmental analysis from Transect. This requires an additional fee and data submission to generate a comprehensive environmental due diligence report.
*** ## Saving Changes Click **Save Prog** (Save Progress) in the header bar to save the current power plant design and layout. Click the **X** button to exit the Map Builder. Any unsaved changes will prompt for confirmation before exiting.