A process for sensor placement and analysis using a virtual environment includes receiving into a computer processor a model of an area, a position in the model that represents a placement of a virtual sensor, and an orientation of the virtual sensor. A shadow map of the area is generated as a function of the position and orientation of the virtual sensor. The shadow map is used to determine one or more portions of the area that can be sensed by the virtual sensor. The area of the model that is covered as a function of the position and orientation of the virtual sensor is determined, and information relating to the area of the model that is covered as a function of the position and orientation of the virtual sensor is transmitted to an output device.