Comparison

Light Pollution Map vs Heliora

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Light Pollution Map

Features
Read full description

Light Pollution Map – Find the Darkest Skies Discover the best places for stargazing, astrophotography, and Milky Way viewing with Light Pollution Map. Explore interactive light pollution maps, check Bortle Scale ratings, monitor weather and moon conditions, and plan unforgettable nights under the stars. Whether you're an amateur astronomer, a professional astrophotographer, or simply looking for a dark place to enjoy the night sky, Light Pollution Map provides the tools you need to find ideal observing locations anywhere in the world. Features • Interactive worldwide light pollution map • View Bortle Scale ratings from Class 1 to Class 9 • Find nearby dark sky locations • Search by city, address, coordinates, or landmark • Multiple map styles including satellite and terrain • Current location support with GPS • Save favorite observing locations • Cloud cover and weather forecasts • Moon phase, moonrise, and moonset information • Sunrise, sunset, and astronomical twilight times • Milky Way visibility planner • Aurora forecast for supported regions • Elevation and terrain information • Distance measurement tools • Offline map support for remote adventures • Observation journal with notes and photos • Trip planning for astronomy and photography sessions • Widgets for moon phase and observing conditions Perfect For • Astrophotography • Stargazing • Astronomy • Camping • National park adventures • Night landscape photography • Meteor shower observation • Milky Way photography • Aurora hunting • Outdoor exploration Plan your next night under the stars with confidence. Light Pollution Map helps you find darker skies, better viewing conditions, and unforgettable celestial experiences wherever your journey takes you. We currently offer the following auto-renewing subscription option: -$7.99 per month -$34.99 per month Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription will automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period. Subscriptions may be managed and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the Account Settings after purchase. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable Terms of Use: https://tos.nguyenanhapps.com Privacy Policy: https://privacy.nguyenanhapps.com

About

Heliora

Visualize the sun's path and position using augmented reality and a 3D compass. Plan photography, trips, or sky observations by predicting solar events like sunrise, sunset, and golden hour for any location.

Highlights
  • Augmented reality sun path visualization
  • 3D compass for azimuth and altitude
  • Map-based location planning
  • Sunrise, sunset, golden hour prediction
  • Dawn and dusk stages
  • Timeline exploration
Features
Read full description

Heliora is a clean, intuitive, and full-featured tool for predicting the Sun’s position and path. With the 3D Compass and augmented reality (AR), you can see the Sun’s path at a glance and predict its azimuth and altitude at any time. Use the map to choose any location and understand how the Sun’s position and the light will change there before you arrive. Daily Details gives you quick access to sunrise, sunset, golden hour, blue hour, and the different stages of dawn and dusk, so the day’s most important solar moments are always easy to find. Explore the timeline freely and choose any place on the map. Whether you are planning a photo, arranging a trip, or simply observing the sky, Heliora helps you understand the light in advance and find the right time and place. Heliora — follow every ray of sunlight. Privacy Statement: https://yongxiaoshao-sudo.github.io/heliora-privacy/ EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Light Pollution Map4 screens
Heliora4 screens

Verdict

The call

Light Pollution Map and Heliora are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Light Pollution Map sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Heliora sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Light Pollution Map versus Heliora: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLight Pollution MapHeliora
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNguyen Anh永晓 邵

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Light Pollution Map

Subscriptions2
  • Light Pollution Map Premium Monthly$7.991 Month
  • Light Pollution Map Premium Yearly$34.991 Year
One-time1
  • LightPollution Map Premium Lifetime$49.99
4 purchases

Heliora

One-time4
  • Buy Me a Coffee$0.99
  • Buy Me a Slice of Cake$2.99
  • Buy Me a Meal$3.99
Show 1 more
  • Big Support$9.99

Questions

Is Light Pollution Map free?
Light Pollution Map is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Heliora free?
Heliora is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Light Pollution Map or Heliora have ads?
Neither Light Pollution Map nor Heliora shows ads.

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