With temperatures all over the world seemingly breaking records every year, it is becoming absolutely crucial to protect yourself from the sun, cool off regularly and seek shade to avoid the heat.
And there is a very interesting website called Shadowmap. If you haven't heard of it before, it's a detailed mapping platform that shows shadow areas at any time of day.
At first glance, the experience is quite similar to Google Maps, although designed and developed primarily to find shade and avoid the heat. With this tool, you will be able to walk or stroll anywhere, knowing exactly where to find shade to escape the sun!
Finding shade with Shadowmap
Shadowmap exists as a website, but also as an official iPhone application available on the App Store. The operation is similar in both cases and their use is free (at least partially).
Once on the Shadowmap website, you will discover a fairly simple and very easy to use interface.
La map displayed by default and for free is very classic and you will see all the buildings in 3D view superimposed, even outside of large cities.
At the top right of the screen, you will be able to search for an address or a place to position the map. You will not be lost, the search operation is very classic. It is also possible to move manually on the map and zoom in and out using the mouse wheel or the +/- buttons at the bottom of the map.
Below the address search, we discover the tools that make Shadowmap very interesting and original. Indeed, a frame displays the date and time of the day as well as a yellow scroll bar with on the left the sunrise time at the selected location and on the right the sunset time.
And you will be able to play with the slider of the scroll bar to adjust the time and thus visualize where the shadow of the sun is at a given moment t. A play button also allows you to automatically scroll the cursor in a loop on the date of the day in order to visualize the evolution of the shadow throughout the day.
So, you will be able to see at any time of the day where you will have shade or not... practical for finding a good spot to park your car and avoid the heat! The only downside is that the free version does not allow you to change the date of the day. You will be forced to stay on the date of the day when you consult the site.
Why use Shadowmap?
Behind this project which may seem a little crazy, there are however many very serious reasons which can push you to use Shadowmap.
You want to buy or rent a property, Shadowmap will help you check the sunshine at all times of the day.
Do you take photos? Shadowmap helps you find the best time of day to take your shot, whether it’s a photo, a video or even images taken with a drone.
Want to install solar panels? This site is very useful for checking the sunshine and positioning them in the best place!
In short, you will have understood, beyond the delirium, this site is a really useful and very serious tool. This is also why it offers a premium version with advanced features such as the possibility of choosing the sunshine at a future date in particular.
