What are IES Files

What are IES Files

IES Files are plain text files that contain measurements of light and light quantities. These files are saved in a format specified by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). They are commonly used by building designers and civil engineers to simulate lighting systems during the design process. IES Files provide detailed information on the distribution of light emitted by a lighting installation, allowing designers to accurately model and analyze the lighting effects.

The purpose of IES Files is to accurately represent the photometric properties of lighting fixtures or systems. They contain data that describes the intensity, direction, and color of light emitted by the fixture at various angles and distances. This information is crucial for architects, engineers, and designers to assess the lighting performance and make informed decisions during the design process.

IES Files are created and published by lighting manufacturers, who capture the photometric data of a specific fixture using a device called a goniophotometer. This instrument measures the intensity and distribution of light emitted by the fixture at different angles, creating a comprehensive representation of its light distribution. The captured data is then stored in an IES file format.