Sun Surveyor – The Essential Planning App for Photographers
Sun Surveyor is the definitive mobile application for photographers who rely on natural light. It transforms planning from guesswork into a precise science by providing detailed visualizations and data for the sun, moon, and even the Milky Way. Whether you're a landscape photographer chasing the perfect golden hour, an astrophotographer targeting galactic core alignment, or a filmmaker needing to schedule around specific lighting conditions, Sun Surveyor gives you the foresight to be in the right place at the right time, every time.
What is Sun Surveyor?
Sun Surveyor is a sophisticated planning tool built specifically for visual artists. At its core, it's a dynamic solar, lunar, and celestial calculator that visualizes the path and phases of these bodies over any location on Earth, at any date and time in the past or future. It goes far beyond simple sunrise/sunset times, offering augmented reality (AR) views, detailed altitude/azimuth data, and specific information crucial for advanced photography like golden hour, blue hour, moon phases, and the visibility of the Milky Way. It's the digital equivalent of having a professional celestial navigator in your pocket.
Key Features of Sun Surveyor for Photographers
3D Augmented Reality Compass View
Use your device's camera to see an augmented reality overlay of the sun and moon's paths directly on your surroundings. This allows for intuitive, on-location scouting, helping you visualize exactly where celestial bodies will be in relation to your foreground, eliminating composition guesswork.
Detailed Sun & Moon Data
Access precise times for sunrise, sunset, solar noon, moonrise, moonset, and all moon phases. Crucially, it provides exact start and end times for photographic golden hour and blue hour—the periods of optimal soft, warm, and diffused light that are essential for landscape and portrait photography.
Milky Way & Astrophotography Planner
A game-changer for night photographers. Sun Surveyor visualizes the position, core visibility, and arc of the Milky Way for any location and time. Plan shoots around galactic center alignment, avoid moonlight pollution, and maximize your chances of capturing stunning astrophotos.
Map View & Time-Lapse Simulation
Plot the sun and moon's paths on an interactive map, perfect for remote planning. The time-lapse simulation feature lets you watch the movement of shadows and light across a landscape over a chosen period, ideal for planning complex shots or film sequences.
Who Should Use Sun Surveyor?
Sun Surveyor is an indispensable tool for any visual creator whose work depends on natural or celestial light. It is especially valuable for: Landscape Photographers planning compositions around sunrise, sunset, and specific shadow angles; Astrophotographers targeting the Milky Way, meteor showers, or lunar eclipses; Travel & Outdoor Photographers scouting locations in advance or adapting to new places; Real Estate & Architectural Photographers needing to predict how light will interact with a building; Filmmakers & Videographers who must schedule shoots around specific lighting conditions ('magic hour'); and Serious Hobbyists who want to move beyond chance and take full creative control of their photography.
Sun Surveyor Pricing and Free Trial
Sun Surveyor operates on a one-time purchase model for each mobile platform (iOS and Android are separate purchases), providing lifetime access and updates. There is no ongoing subscription, making it a cost-effective long-term investment for professionals. While Sun Surveyor does not have a traditional 'free tier,' both the iOS and Android versions offer a fully-featured free trial (often a 7-day period) so you can test all its capabilities at your favorite locations before committing to the purchase. This allows you to validate its value for your specific photographic workflow risk-free.
Common Use Cases
- Planning the exact timing for Alpenglow photography on mountain peaks
- Scouting urban landscape photography shots with perfect sun-star alignment through city structures
- Scheduling a Milky Way photography workshop during the galactic core season
- Predicting moonrise over a specific landmark for a composite photo shoot
Key Benefits
- Eliminate wasted trips by knowing exactly when and where optimal light will occur.
- Increase your keeper rate by planning compositions in advance with precise celestial data.
- Capture unique shots that rely on specific astronomical events, setting your portfolio apart.
- Work more efficiently on paid shoots by providing clients with accurate, weather-contingent schedules.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unmatched precision and depth of data specifically tailored for photographers.
- Intuitive Augmented Reality view for real-time, on-site planning and scouting.
- One-time purchase model (per platform) with no recurring subscription fees.
- Comprehensive feature set covering sun, moon, and Milky Way in a single app.
Cons
- Requires separate purchases for iOS and Android devices if you use both platforms.
- The interface, while powerful, has a learning curve due to the wealth of data presented.
- Advanced planning requires a basic understanding of celestial terms (azimuth, altitude).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sun Surveyor free to use?
Sun Surveyor is a premium application available for a one-time purchase on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. However, it typically offers a full-featured free trial period (e.g., 7 days) so you can test all its capabilities before buying. There is no free version with limited features.
Is Sun Surveyor good for landscape photography?
Absolutely. Sun Surveyor is considered one of the best tools for landscape photography. It provides critical data beyond simple sunset times, including the exact duration and timing of golden hour and blue hour, the sun's azimuth for aligning with compositions, and shadow simulation. This allows landscape photographers to plan iconic shots with precision.
Can I use Sun Surveyor to plan Milky Way photography?
Yes, this is one of Sun Surveyor's standout features. Its Milky Way planner shows the galactic core's visibility, position, and arc for any date and location. You can plan shoots around new moons (darkest skies) and see exactly where the Milky Way will be in relation to your landscape, which is essential for successful astrophotography.
Does Sun Surveyor work offline?
Yes, Sun Surveyor's core planning features work offline once the app is installed and you have loaded maps for your desired area. This is crucial for photographers working in remote locations without cellular service. Some features like loading new map tiles may require an internet connection.
Conclusion
For photographers who have moved beyond snapping casual photos to intentionally crafting images with light, Sun Surveyor is not just an app—it's a professional necessity. It bridges the gap between artistic vision and astronomical reality, empowering you to plan with confidence and execute with precision. While the investment requires a one-time purchase, the return in terms of captured moments, saved time, and elevated portfolio work is immense. If your photography depends on the sun, moon, or stars, Sun Surveyor is the definitive planning tool that belongs in your workflow.