Calculating Light Level at a Point

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To calculate light levels in footcandles, the distance from the light source should be measured in feet, as footcandles are defined as lumens per square foot. The equation provided is correct: footcandles equal the light level in lumens divided by the square of the distance to the light source. Using feet for distance ensures consistency with the footcandle measurement. This approach aligns with standard practices in urban planning related to lighting regulations.
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I haven't used my high school physics education in a really long time but I need to here at work for a very simple problem. I am an urban planner and we deal with lighting regulations a lot. I am trying to calculate the light level (in footcandles) at a given point. I am using the following general equation:

[footcandles] = [light level in lumens of the source light] / [direct distance from point to light source]^2

All I need to know is what units do I use to measure the distance? Meters, feet, inches? Would I measure the distance in feet since my light unit is footcandles? I know the standard scientific measurement unit is meters or some derivation there of, but I wanted to ask here just to be sure. Many thanks in advance.

Eric
 
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Feet. A footcandle is defined in units of lumens/ft^2.
 
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