For Architects & Renovators

See the shadow before you build.

Explore the sunlight trade-offs of an extension, a taller building or a different orientation. Use SunCast Construction Mode to place simple 3D building volumes and compare their shadows across the year.

Last updated: September 30, 2026

4.8 · US App Store

Tall extension casting a broad shadow over the garden

Lower extension leaving more of the garden in sun

Larger Shadow

Smaller Shadow

How it works

Place the proposed building
Adjust its size and orientation
Compare shadows across the seasons

Make sunlight part of the first sketch.

A footprint on a plan cannot show how a shadow moves through a garden. SunCast gives early design conversations a visual starting point, so you can explore alternatives before commissioning detailed analysis.

Explore an extension

Represent a proposed extension with a 3D block and adjust its width, depth and height. Compare the shadow at the times the adjoining terrace or garden is used.

Compare design options

Change a volume’s height, position or rotation and inspect the resulting shadow. Keep the date and time the same between options so the comparison reflects the design change.

Look beyond summer

Compare winter and summer sun paths before relying on a sunny site visit. Use the map for surrounding context and AR on site to relate sun direction to existing buildings and openings.

Construction Mode uses simplified volumes and available map geometry. It supports preliminary visual planning, not certified daylight analysis, rights-to-light assessment or planning-permission evidence.

Built for the job

Building Shadow Simulator

Place and save multiple 3D blocks, then adjust their width, depth, height and rotation to explore proposed building shadows.

iPhone showing a planned building's shadow on neighbouring streets

Realistic Shadow Mapping

Inspect how mapped neighbouring buildings and terrain affect the site. Check model coverage and dimensions before drawing conclusions.

iPhone map showing 3D building shadows across a city block

AR Sun Tracker

Relate seasonal sun paths to the real site during a visit. Check the direction of sunlight at a terrace, façade or proposed opening.

iPhone showing the sun path drawn over a real building in AR

Terrain Shadows

See realistic 3D shadows cast by hills, ridges and valleys as the sun moves across the day — not just a static shaded-relief map.

Explore a future date and time to see when a valley falls into shade, when a ridge blocks a view, or which slope catches the first light.

iPhone map showing shadows cast by surrounding terrain

Solar Info for Buildings

Tap a mapped building to explore its roof area, potential panel capacity and estimated annual sunshine.

Compare rooftops at an early planning stage and spot places worth a closer look before commissioning a site-specific solar assessment.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I see building shadows?

Yes. Visualize Shadows shows realistic 3D shadows from buildings and terrain at any time of day or season. Construction Mode lets you preview how a planned building will change light and shadow on neighboring streets.

Can I see the sun's path for different seasons?

Yes. SunCast can overlay the summer and winter solstice sun paths on both the map Solstice sun paths on the SunCast map

and in AR

December Solstice path in SunCast AR view

— useful for understanding how light changes across seasons at any location. Enable them separately using the Solstice path toggles in Settings. Solstice path toggles in SunCast settings

Solstice path toggles in SunCast settings

How accurate is the sun position?

SunCast uses precise astronomical calculations — accurate enough for professional photography, architecture, and location scouting. The sun moves gradually enough that results stay consistent across an entire neighborhood.

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