# Sun Azimuth and Elevation Explained | SunCast

Learn what sun azimuth and elevation mean, how compass degrees describe light direction, and how these values help with sunlight and shadow planning.

Canonical HTML: https://suncastapp.com/learn/sun-azimuth-elevation
Last updated: 2026-07-14

Author: [Peter Szucs](https://suncastapp.com/about/peter-szucs)

Primary prompt: what is sun azimuth and elevation

## Short Answer

Sun azimuth is the compass direction of the sun, measured in degrees clockwise from north. Sun elevation is the angle of the sun above or below the horizon. Together, azimuth and elevation describe where sunlight comes from at a specific place and time.

## Compass and angle reference
- **Azimuth 0 degrees**: North.
- **Azimuth 90 degrees**: East.
- **Azimuth 180 degrees**: South.
- **Azimuth 270 degrees**: West.
- **Elevation 0 degrees**: The sun is on the horizon.
- **Elevation 90 degrees**: The sun is directly overhead.

## How azimuth works

Azimuth is a compass bearing. If the sun azimuth is 90 degrees, the sun is coming from the east. If it is 270 degrees, it is coming from the west.

This is useful for windows, patios, streets, gardens, and photo locations because it tells you which direction light will enter the scene.

## How elevation works

Elevation tells you how high the sun is. Low elevation creates longer shadows and warmer-looking light. High elevation creates shorter shadows and stronger overhead light.

Sunrise and sunset happen near 0 degrees elevation. Around solar noon, elevation is usually highest for the day.

## Where these numbers help
- **Photography**: Azimuth tells you where light comes from. Elevation tells you whether it will be low and soft or high and harsh.
- **Home sunlight**: Azimuth helps explain which windows receive morning or afternoon light. Elevation helps explain how deep light reaches into a room.
- **Shadows**: Shadows fall away from the sun. Low sun elevation usually means longer shadows.

## Limits

Azimuth and elevation describe the sun position, not every object in the scene. Buildings, trees, terrain, weather, and window shape still affect what light reaches a real place.

## Check It in SunCast

Need the azimuth and elevation for a real place? SunCast includes sun position data in the app, and the web sun calculator gives a quick check.

- [Download SunCast](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6757196901)

- [Try the sun calculator](https://suncastapp.com/tools/sun-calculator)

## FAQ

### Is azimuth the same as direction?

Yes. Azimuth is the compass direction of the sun, written as degrees clockwise from north.

### What does negative sun elevation mean?

Negative elevation means the sun is below the horizon. Twilight phases happen while the sun is below the horizon but still lighting the sky.

### Why does sun elevation matter for shadows?

Lower sun elevation creates longer shadows. Higher sun elevation creates shorter shadows.

## Related SunCast Pages
- [Sun calculator](https://suncastapp.com/tools/sun-calculator)
- [How sun shadows change through the year](https://suncastapp.com/learn/how-sun-shadows-change-throughout-the-year)
- [Accuracy guide](https://suncastapp.com/guides/how-accurate-are-sun-position-apps)
- [All SunCast learn pages](https://suncastapp.com/learn)