# Light Pollution Map — Sky brightness, VIIRS and SQM > Light pollution map with sky brightness, VIIRS, SQM, and observatory data. (iPhone/iPad app by Jurij Stare.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-pollution-map/id1530464858 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Jurij Stare](https://appshunter.io/developer/1530464860) - Category: Navigation, Utilities - Price: $4.99 - Rating: 4.10/5 from 46 App Store ratings · 21 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.0 · 20 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2020-09-20 - Data updated: 2026-09-02 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-pollution-map/id1530464858/reviews.md ## What is Light Pollution Map? The map displays VIIRS/World Atlas/Clouds/Aurora/IAU observatories and the user SQM measurements. The primary use is to show VIIRS/DMSP data in a friendly manner, but over time it also included some other interesting overlays that concern light pollution like SQM/SQC, World Atlas 2015 zenith brightness, clouds, aurora and IAU observatories. If you have a permanent SQM reader installed you can add it to the map by sending me an e-mail. Please send comments and requests for new features via email (look under help) Functionalities: - VIIRS, Sky Brightness, World Atlas 2015, Cloud coverage and Aurora forecast layers - VIIRS and Sky Brightness layers can be displayed in color blind friendly colors - Road & Satellite base maps - Cloud animation for the last 12 hours - Get detail radiance and SQM values from layers at a click. For Sky brightness/World Atlas 2015, you also get Bortle class estimation. - SQM, SQM-L, SQC, SQM-LE, SQM readings submitted by users - International dark sky parks overlay - Submit your own SQM (L) readings - Observatories layer - Save your favorite locations - Distance measurement tool with azimuth angle report - All-sky view of light pollution with real horizon - Offline mode (Sky brightness map and a base map are saved to your device, so it will be displayed when you are offline) ## Key features - VIIRS, Sky Brightness, World Atlas, Cloud, Aurora layers - Color blind friendly color options - Cloud animation - SQM/SQC readings submission - International dark sky parks overlay - Offline mode ## Chart rankings - #36 in Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store) ## Recent user reviews (10 of 21) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-pollution-map/id1530464858/reviews.md ### 1/5 — No borders in map *2026-05-22, version 1.1.38* After the most recent update I noticed that the maps have no regional, state, or national border details which make it difficult to navigate. Please fix asap. ### 2/5 — All sky consistently failing to load *2026-03-27* I was gonna give this 5 stars until the all sky map suddenly stopped working entirely. Unsure what happened and why it suddenly failed to load? **Developer response:** There were some technical difficulties with this new feature. It should be resolved now. ### 4/5 — Great but missing the best feature of the website version *2025-08-09* Website version is bloated with ads, but the concept is really good, so I wanted to buy the app. On my iPad on the website I can find closest dark site, and filter world atlas on an SQM range, all of that seems to not be available in the iPad app ? Why is that, those tools are so great to spot good sky site near you. **Developer response:** The newest version 1.1.29 available from 2025-09-29 has all these features added plus more. ### 5/5 — So important *2025-01-02, version 1.1.22* This tool is so important in showing how humans are changing the planet. All life depends on darkness for circadian rhythms, and this measures how much we need to return to a healthy state for flora and fauna alike. ### 1/5 — Can’t see anything *2024-10-10, version 1.1.22* Screen went solid white. Had to uninstall and reinstall. Now I have the position map, but not base layer - so I cannot tell what locations correspond to the colors. ### 1/5 — Useless *2024-10-01, version 1.1.22* Every time and day it shows same class even sky is more clear, darker and light pollution free. ### 5/5 — Highly Recommended *2024-09-28* I've always relied on the web app for checking light pollution levels, and it has consistently been my go-to resource. Now with the dedicated mobile app, the experience has only gotten better. The app is incredibly user-friendly, offering quicker access to real-time data and a more seamless interface compared to the web version. Plus, it's a one-time purchase with no hidden in-app charges. It’s an essential tool for stargazers and astrophotographers alike. Clear Skies! ### 4/5 — VIIRS 2023 availible on website but not app *2024-07-19, version 1.1.21* I like the app but the most recent data, VIIRS 2023, is only on the website making this app useless as of now. Hopefully it will be added soon. ### 5/5 — Very Nice *2023-11-30, version 1.1.21* Jurij: Great app! Certainly a very useful tool for all kinds of things. I found it as someone had linked to it from Reddit. People like to know where to go to stargaze, or see the northern lights. Take care! ### 1/5 — Buggy *2023-05-13, version 1.1.17* On iPad app won’t zoom or pan accurately. Just moves the map however it wants. ## Frequently asked questions about Light Pollution Map ### What is the price of Light Pollution Map? Light Pollution Map is a paid application, costing $4.99. This one-time purchase grants you access to all its features without recurring fees. ### What devices is Light Pollution Map compatible with? Light Pollution Map is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It is designed to run on Apple's mobile operating system. ### How often is Light Pollution Map updated? The app was last updated on March 20, 2026, with version 1.1.35. While this indicates a recent update, future update frequency is not specified. ### Can I use Light Pollution Map offline? Yes, Light Pollution Map supports an offline mode. The sky brightness map and a base map are saved to your device, allowing you to view them without an internet connection. ### What kind of data does Light Pollution Map display? Light Pollution Map displays VIIRS/World Atlas/Clouds/Aurora/IAU observatories and user-submitted SQM measurements. It also shows zenith brightness and Bortle class estimations. ### What is the age rating for Light Pollution Map? Light Pollution Map has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. This rating suggests minimal content that would be inappropriate for young children. ### How can I submit my SQM readings to Light Pollution Map? You can submit your SQM (L) readings directly through the app. If you have a permanent SQM reader installed, you can also add it to the map by contacting the developer via email. ### Does Light Pollution Map offer different map layers? Yes, Light Pollution Map offers multiple layers including VIIRS, Sky Brightness, World Atlas 2015, Cloud coverage, and Aurora forecast. These layers can be displayed in color blind friendly colors. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.1.39 — 2026-05-29 - Feature filters can be now be saved (settings). Name field also supports wildcard searching for example '*town OR john*' will display 'Smalltown' and 'Johnstown'. - 'My locations' can now be saved (and edited) and restored from a file. - 'My locations' now also available as a feature overlay, so you can view them on the map. - Changing dates in the calendar widget doesn't open virtual keyboard anymore (except when you tap on hour/minute fields). - Other minor changes and bug fixes. ### 1.1.38 — 2026-05-08 - Sky brightness simulation: added a function that generates an all-sky image that takes into account the drawn polygon radiance modification. That way you can see the effect of the modification on the sky brightness distribution across the entire sky, not just at the zenith. - Added NELM as an alternative unit for sky brightness display for Sky brightness and World Atlas overlays. You can toggle between NELM and MPSAS by clicking the 'SQM' text in the point info window. - Added a 'Save' button to the generated all-sky image, so you can save it directly to your device. - Other minor fixes. ### 1.1.37 — 2026-04-22 - All-sky image now has two views: Fisheye and panoramic view. - Other fixes and improvements. ### 1.1.35 — 2026-03-20 - Added 2025 VIIRS and Sky brightness overlays. - When area statistics are shown for Sky brightness/World Atlas, locations of the minimum and maximum values are now also marked on the map. - Other minor fixes and improvements. ### 1.1.34 — 2026-03-10 - Bortle class display fixed. - Fixed the issue with sorting 'My locations' when a new item is added. ## Apps similar to Light Pollution Map | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Theodolite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite/id339393884) | 4.7 (902) | $8.99 | Navigation | | [Eclipse Run](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eclipse-run/id1248062152) | 3.9 (12) | Free | Navigation | | [Sun Seeker - Sunlight Tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sun-seeker-sunlight-tracker/id330247123) | 4.8 (12,846) | $11.99 | Navigation | | [aprs.fi](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aprsfi/id922155038) | 4.7 (1,133) | $6.99 | Navigation | ## Related topics [light pollution map](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/light-pollution-map) · [pollution map](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pollution-map) · [light pollution](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/light-pollution) · [dark sky map](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dark-sky-map) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-02.*