Scouting & Weather tools
Sun path, cloud cover, the drive out. Each tool links to its maker, with a checked price and, where we can source it, where it falls short.
7 tools
Prices checked by hand. If it costs money, it says so.
| Tool | Good for | Price | Where it falls short | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Seeker | See the sun path in AR right at the location. | App Store lists $11.99 (other in-app prices shown) | Current version needs iOS 18 or later, so older iPhones are left out. source for Sun Seeker note (new tab) | Open site for Sun Seeker (new tab) ↗ |
| Google Earth | 3D look at a location and its surroundings before you drive out. | Free | Open site for Google Earth (new tab) ↗ | |
| PhotoPills | Sun, moon and shadow planner for any date and spot. | $10.99 seen on site | Open site for PhotoPills (new tab) ↗ | |
| SunCalc | Quick free sun angle map in a browser. | Free | Open site for SunCalc (new tab) ↗ | |
| Sun Surveyor | Sun and moon path with AR and map views. | $9.99 on the App Store (checked Oct 2026) | Open site for Sun Surveyor (new tab) ↗ | |
| Clear Outside | Hour-by-hour cloud cover forecast. | Free | Open site for Clear Outside (new tab) ↗ | |
| The Photographer's Ephemeris | Map-based sun and moon rise/set directions, so you know where the light will fall on a location. | $9.99 on the App Store (checked Oct 2026) | Sunrise and sunset color forecasts (Skyfire) are an extra in-app subscription, from $9.99 per 3 months. source for The Photographer's Ephemeris note (new tab) | Open site for The Photographer's Ephemeris (new tab) ↗ |