Precision solar analysis for tactical mission planning. Visualize day/night boundaries, calculate shadow positions from terrain and buildings, and find optimal operation windows based on light conditions.
Understanding the sun's position is critical for tactical operations. Will your approach be in daylight or darkness? Are there shadows providing concealment? When is golden hour for optimal visibility? The Sun Shadow feature answers these questions with precision calculations based on your location, date, and time.
Plan approaches using terrain shadows for concealment. Calculate when building shadows will cover your infiltration route. Find the optimal time window when shadows align with your movement corridor. Light discipline isn't just about darkness — it's about using available light to your advantage.
| Capability | Use Case | Key Outputs |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Position | Lighting conditions at a point | Altitude, azimuth, twilight phase, shadow direction |
| Day/Night Terminator | AOI-wide light visualization | Terminator polygon, twilight zones, animation |
| Shadow Analysis | Concealment and visibility planning | DEM shadows, building shadows, coverage metrics |
Accurate solar position for any location on Earth, at any time, using the proven commons-suncalc library.
See the boundary between day and night on your map, with twilight zones clearly delineated. Perfect for planning operations across large areas or extended time windows.
Planning a long-range patrol that spans sunrise? The terminator visualization shows exactly when each segment of your route transitions from darkness to light. Animate the terminator movement to see how light conditions evolve during your operation.
| Region | Sun Altitude | Lighting Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Day | > 0° | Full daylight, sun above horizon |
| Civil Twilight | -0° to -6° | Usable natural light, horizon clear |
| Nautical Twilight | -6° to -12° | Horizon visible, stars appearing |
| Astronomical Twilight | -12° to -18° | Near full darkness, 6th magnitude stars |
| Night | < -18° | Full darkness, maximum star visibility |
Calculate actual shadow positions from terrain elevation data (DEM) and 3D building footprints. Know exactly where shadows will fall at any time.
Don't guess when to execute. Let the algorithm find the best time window based on your shadow preferences.
Need maximum shadows for concealment? Or maximum visibility for reconnaissance? Specify your preference and time window, and the Optimal Time Finder analyzes shadow conditions minute by minute to find your best execution window.
For night operations, moon position and illumination are critical factors.
Visualize how light and shadow change over time with smooth animation.
Built on proven astronomical calculation libraries for accuracy and reliability.
| Component | Technology | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Calculations | commons-suncalc 3.11 | ~1 minute |
| DEM Shadow | Ray-tracing algorithm | Sub-meter with quality DEM |
| Building Shadow | Projection geometry | Exact for known heights |
| Hillshade | Standard GIS algorithm | DEM resolution |