ShadeMap
Tool Description : Web-based mapping tool that models and visualises sunlight and shade for any location in the world at a specific date and time.
ShadeMap
Quick Overview
What it does
It simulates and displays shadows from mountains, buildings, and trees anywhere in the world for any chosen date and time, dynamically updating shadows as you adjust time, date, or location.
How to use it
Go to the URL, search for a location, then adjust the date and time slider to see real-time shadows from buildings, terrain, and trees.
Cost
Partially Free
Account required
No (for basic use). Yes (for Pro features and saved projects).
Cookies
Yes - Google Analytics cookies.
Ownership
Ted Piotrowski, a software engineer based in Bothell WA.
Use in Reporting
Useful to visualise and verify sun position and shadow direction at specific locations, dates, and times to support contextual or timeline analysis.
What does ShadeMap do?
ShadeMap is a web-based mapping tool that models and visualises sunlight and shade for any location in the world at a specific date and time. It uses terrain, buildings, and vegetation data to calculate realistic shadow patterns in real time.
The tool enables users to assess sun exposure and shade duration, analyse routes and outdoor spaces, and simulate how shadows change throughout the day or year. It supports outdoor planning, property and garden assessment, solar analysis, journalism, and research where understanding light and shadow dynamics is important.
The lowdown: ShadeMap is a fast, intuitive sunlight simulation tool suitable for both casual and professional use. It is especially useful in OSINT and reporting for verifying time-of-day claims, analysing shadow direction in images or videos, and supporting geolocation or timeline investigations involving outdoor scenes.
How to Use:
1. Go to https://shademap.app in your browser. The map interface loads automatically.
2. Choose a Location by using the search bar to enter an address, city, or landmark. Or you can manually zoom and drag the map to your desired area. (For example, we’ve chosen Westminster.)
3. Set Date and Time by using the calendar selector and adjusting the time slider to simulate sunlight conditions at different hours.
4. Observe how terrain, buildings and trees cast shadows, zooming in for detailed inspection. Compare different dates eg. summer vs winter solstice.
5. (Optional) Upgrade for Pro Features including enhanced modelling tools and higher resolution shadow detail.
View ShadeMap’s user guide here.
Watch this YouTube tutorial from the creator to learn how to conduct a simple shadow analysis:
Cost:
Free version available with core shadow simulation features. Paid version (ShadeMap Pro) offers enhanced tools and higher-resolution data.
Data Processing
Account required:
No (for basic use).
Yes (for Pro features and saved projects).
Cookies:
Google Analytics cookies used for tracking website usage and session activity.
Each cookie is listed below:
GA1.1.1315458057.1770994548
GS2.1.s1771584044$o5$g1$t1771585057$j59$l0$h0
Use in Reporting
ShadeMap is useful for verifying claims about sun/shade conditions at specific times, analysing environmental conditions at protest sites, crime scenes or outdoor events, and supporting investigations involving visibility, heat exposure, or timing of shadows in images/videos.
Capabilities
Limitations
Global coverage.
Accuracy depends on underlying map/building data.
Real-time shadow simulation.
Vegetation modelling may not reflect recent changes.
Date and time customisation.
Not a forensic-grade solar positioning tool.
Terrain and building shadow modelling.
Pro features behind a paywall.
Seasonal comparison.
Summary
ShadeMap is an accessible and powerful shadow simulation tool that allows users to visualise how sunlight interacts with landscapes and built environments worldwide. It is particularly useful for planning, verification, environmental analysis, and explanatory reporting involving light and shade. However it should not be treated as definitive proof but rather as a supporting visual modelling tool.
Ownership
ShadeMap is owned and was created by software engineer Ted Piotrowski, located in Bothell WA (USA). He can be found on Reddit under the username teddy_pb.
Ethical Considerations:
Should not be used as sole evidence in legal or investigative contexts.
Consider privacy implications when analysing private properties.
Users must clearly state it’s a simulation.
Be transparent about limitations when used in reporting.
Related Tools:
Sources:
https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/shademap
https://www.reddit.com/r/NativePlantGardening/comments/1ivs0x7/interactive_shade_map/
https://www.reddit.com/user/teddy_pb/
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