How to import GIS raster topography data in RatedPower

In RatedPower, topography data from Google Earth is automatically extracted and applied to our designs. If we want to perform a topography analysis with better accuracy, we can utilize the data from other sources.

This guide explains how to convert georeferenced topography data (such as GeoTIff, ECW, GeoPackage, ESRI grid, etc files) into a readable format for RatedPower by using the QGIS tool and how to upload them into the software.

For this purpose, we will be following these steps:

1. Convert the topography data

2. Import PV site area in QGIS

3. Clip topography data around the PV site

4. Export topography data from QGIS

5. Import topography data into RatedPower

1. Convert the topography data

  • Include your georeferenced topographical file to a new QGIS project. To do so, click on Layer → Add Layer → Add Raster Layer and select the corresponding file.

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We recommend decreasing the opacity of the Raster to 50% in properties to be able to better see the site in the following step.

  • It's important to check that the imported data is in the same CRS (Coordinate Reference System) as the one used by RatedPower. 

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  • If they don't match as in the picture above, select Raster → Projections → Warp (Reproject)

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  • Select the newly created raster layer as Input Layer and set as Target CRS the one used by RatedPower.

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2. Import PV site area into QGIS

Next, we will add the PV site to QGIS in order to have visibility of both site and topography data, which we have previously uploaded.

  • Get the site from RatedPower from Location tab either as a KML or CAD (Location Details Download KML/CAD) or directly use the site file that you uploaded to RatedPower.

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  • If you are using a KML, add it to QGIS by clicking on Vector→ KML Tools → Import KML/KMZ

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  • If you are using a CAD, add it to QGIS by clicking on Project → Import/Export → Import Layers from DWG/DXF. 

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3. Clip topography data around the PV site

In this step we will be clipping the topography data around the site in order to reduce the amount of data to be compiled and so decreasing calculation timings in RatedPower. 

  • Click on Raster → Extraction → Clip raster by Extent

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  • Select the raster with topography data and correct CRS as Input Layer and click on Draw on Map Canvas

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  • Select a rectangle that fully contains all the polygons of your site. 

Make sure to include all available areas (AA), the substation area (ST) and the battery area (BA) if present.

You don't need to include lines representing MV cables or OHL.

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4. Export topography data from QGIS

  • Click on Raster → Conversion → Translate (Convert Format)

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  • Select the clipped layer as Input Layer.
  • Click on the three dots next to "Converted" and define a target file destination for saving, choosing XYZ as the format.
  • Click "Run".

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5. Import topography data in RatedPower

Once the conversion is finished, the XYZ file is saved in the location you have selected. 

  • Upload the .xyz file into RatedPower from the tab Location → Topography → Upload topography .CSV

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Based on this custom data, the topography analysis will have higher resolution data to improve the final design.


For further questions, please contact us at the following email address: support@ratedpower.com