Outdoor map tool
Sun Path Map for Any Location and Date
SunCarta’s sun path map calculates where the sun is in the sky for the exact point, date and local time you choose. The map connects compass direction to the place itself, so east, west and a building’s shadow are visible in the same frame.
- Cost
- Free
- Account
- Not required
- Project data
- Browser-local
Loading the global map…
Click once to move the receiving point.
What this tool calculates
- Solar azimuth, measured clockwise from true north
- Solar altitude above the geometric horizon
- Local sunrise, solar noon and sunset
- Projected shadow direction and length for obstacles with known heights
How to use it
- 01
Choose a point
Search for a place, use your current position or click the map. The time zone is selected from the coordinates.
- 02
Choose a date
Use today for a live planning session or jump to another season to compare the sun’s path.
- 03
Move through the day
Drag the time control or press Play day. The sun marker, compass direction and shadows update together.
How to read the result
Azimuth
An azimuth of 90° is east, 180° is south and 270° is west. It describes the horizontal direction toward the sun.
Altitude
A low altitude makes long shadows. A high altitude shortens them. Values below 0° mean the sun is below the horizon.
Limits you should know
- Terrain and vegetation are included only when represented by an obstacle you can verify.
- Refraction near sunrise and sunset is approximated rather than used for survey work.
- A map label or satellite appearance does not prove the height of a structure.
Questions about this calculator
Is the sun path based on magnetic north?
No. SunCarta uses true north. A phone compass may differ because it can display magnetic north and can be affected by nearby metal.
Why does the sun path change by season?
Earth’s axial tilt changes solar declination during the year, moving sunrise, sunset and the daily arc across the sky.
Methodology version 1.1 · Reviewed August 8, 2026