A PAR map is a visual representation of the distribution of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) across a growing area. It is created by measuring PPFD at multiple locations beneath a light fixture and displaying the results as a grid, contour map, or heat map to show how evenly light is distributed.
PAR maps are used to evaluate lighting systems, compare fixtures, and determine the optimal mounting height and plant spacing. They reveal areas of high and low PPFD, helping identify uneven light coverage that may lead to inconsistent plant growth. Because PAR maps display PPFD measurements, they can also be used to estimate the Daily Light Integral (DLI) when the photoperiod is known.
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