Introducing a Real-Time Sunlight Map for Cafés and Pubs in London
As the sunny weather finally returns to London, many residents are eager to enjoy their favorite beverages outdoors—be it an iced coffee or a refreshing pint—preferably soaking up the sun rather than seeking refuge in the shade. To enhance this sunny day experience, I have developed a web application that helps users find the most sunlit spots around the city in real time.
What is the Sunlight Locator Tool?
This innovative platform visualizes which cafés and pubs are currently basking in the sun by leveraging advanced shadow simulation techniques. Using real-time calculations of how buildings and terrain cast shadows throughout the day, the tool enables users to identify the sunniest outdoor venues nearby—perfect for a relaxing day out.
How Does It Work?
- Shadow Simulation: The site models the movement of shadows based on the current time, taking into account terrain elevation and building heights to generate accurate sun exposure maps.
- Mapping Data: It incorporates open data from OpenStreetMap to obtain detailed information about urban features.
- Visualization: The application uses Mapbox GL JS for dynamic, interactive map rendering, complemented by Turf.js for spatial analysis and calculations.
- Altitude and Terrain Analysis: It factors in terrain elevation data to improve the precision of shadow projections.
Technologies Used
- Mapbox GL JS for robust, interactive mapping.
- Turf.js for geospatial calculations and analysis.
- Overpass API to source open data from OpenStreetMap.
- Custom shadow simulation algorithms accounting for terrain and building heights.
Purpose and Future Plans
This project serves as a design experiment and a fun side endeavor aimed at enhancing outdoor experiences during sunny days. It’s an evolving tool, and I welcome feedback, feature suggestions, or recommendations for great sunlit venues.
Explore the Sunlight Map
Visit the live application here: https://sunnydays.dawodx.com/
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking the perfect outdoor seat or just curious about which spots enjoy the most sunshine, this real-time sunlight map aims to make your outdoor adventures in London more enjoyable. Feel free to share your thoughts, collaborate, or suggest new features—together, we can make outdoor leisure planning even smarter.
Note: This project is open-source, and contributions are welcome. Happy sunny days!