If the sun's elevation angle is 45°, then the length of the pillar's shadow will be equal to the height of the pillar.
Pillar height = perpendicular
Shadow length = base
∴ When the elevation angle is \( \theta \),
\( \tan \theta \) = perpendicular / base = 1 = \( \tan 45^\circ \)
∴ \( \theta = 45^\circ \)