Stop guessing. Summer heat and sun can be brutal, but ShadeMap takes the guesswork out of finding some shady relief.
What is ShadeMap?
ShadeMap simulates shadows from mountains, buildings, and trees for any date and time. It calculates sunshine and shade in real time and displays them on a map.
For RVers
For RVers, ShadeMap is a practical planning tool. If a campground listing says a site is “wooded” or “open,” you can preview whether it will stay shaded during the hottest part of the day.
It can also help you check whether solar panels will get enough direct sunlight or whether a parking spot will feel cooler or be brighter when you arrive.
Beyond campsite selection, ShadeMap can guide your plans for fishing, hiking, photography, outdoor tours, and parking preferences.
Use the website on your phone
ShadeMap works in a web browser, so you do not need a traditional app store download. For quicker access, you can add it to your phone’s home screen. Here’s how:
iPhone: Open Safari and visit shademap.app. Tap the Share button, then choose “Add to Home Screen.” Tap “Add” to save the shortcut.
Android: Open Chrome and visit shademap.app. Tap the three-dot menu, choose “Add to Home screen,” then tap “Add.”
How to use it
Using ShadeMap feels pretty natural once you try it. Start by opening the site and choosing the place you want to check. Then pick the date and time at the bottom of the screen.
Want to see how sunny a spot stays overall? Switch to “Hours in the sun” or “Annual sunlight.” You can also draw objects on the map or upload GPX and KML trails.
Click on the times at the bottom of the screen and slide your cursor (mouse) from left to right to slide the time back and forth. Cool, huh?
Before you count on the results for a big trip, zoom out and take a wider look. ShadeMap only calculates shadows from what is visible in the current map view, so nearby trees, buildings, or terrain may be missed if they are off-screen. The standard shadow data are estimates. In some areas, premium 3D mapping data can provide more accurate results.
Get answers
If you have questions or concerns, you can contact ShadeMap directly at this web address.
Do you use special apps or websites when planning your RV trips? Tell us in the comments below.
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