Questions, answered.
The short version: accurate sunlight anywhere, free at launch, running in your browser, with your work kept on your device.
Getting started
Is Sunframe really free?
Yes. Every feature is free at launch, with no account, no trial and no ads. The only limit is the 1 km² export area, which is what a browser can process comfortably.
Will it stay free?
The core, accurate sunlight anywhere in 3D, is meant to stay free. If Sunframe builds a community, optional paid extras may come later to keep it running. Supporters on Buy me a Coffee and Patreon will hear first.
Do I need an account?
No. Open the app and start exploring. There is no sign-up, login or API key.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes, in any modern browser. Dense cities run smoothest on a laptop or desktop with a dedicated graphics card; lower Scene quality in Settings on slower devices.
Where is my work saved?
In your browser, automatically. Nothing is uploaded. Clearing this site's data in your browser removes your edits, so export anything you want to keep.
Data and accuracy
Where does the map data come from?
Buildings from Overture Maps, trees from Overture or the Meta / WRI CHMv2 canopy height map, terrain from Mapterhorn, and the basemap from OpenFreeMap. See Coverage for details.
Why is a building missing or the wrong height?
Open data has gaps. When a height is missing, Sunframe estimates it and labels it Estimated. You can resize or hide any building yourself, or fix it in OpenStreetMap so it improves for everyone in a future release.
How accurate are the trees?
Tree heights come from satellite-based canopy measurements, so they're in the right places at roughly the right heights. Exact positions, species and seasonal leaves are inferred, not surveyed.
Is the sunlight accurate?
Sun position is calculated astronomically for the chosen location, date and local time zone. Lighting is clear-sky, so clouds and weather aren't shown.
Export and use
What can I export?
Any area up to 1 km² as GLB, glTF, OBJ, STL or 3MF, with buildings, trees, bridges, walls and terrain, including your edits. Captures save as PNG up to 4K, video or GIF.
Can I 3D print an export?
Yes, with STL or 3MF. Exports are surface models, so add a base and repair the mesh in your slicer or modeling tool before printing.
Can I use exports and images in my own work?
Generally yes, with attribution. The map data keeps its own licenses (ODbL for Overture and OpenStreetMap, CC BY 4.0 for CHMv2). Every export includes the required credits.
Can I bring my own 3D models?
Yes. Import GLB, glTF, OBJ or STL files up to 30 MB and place them into the real scene.
The project
What is Sunframe built on?
Open data. Buildings and mapped trees come from Overture Maps and OpenStreetMap, tree heights from Meta and WRI's CHMv2, and terrain from Mapterhorn. Sunframe itself is free to use and made by Taars3d.
Do you track me?
No analytics and no accounts. Map providers receive the tile requests needed to show the area you're viewing.
How can I support it?
Buy me a coffee or join on Patreon. Sharing your captures and reporting bugs helps too.
Still curious?
Just try it. It takes a few seconds.