LightPlan vs The Photographer's Ephemeris, at a glance
The Photographer's Ephemeris (TPE) is a classic, trusted tool — the map-based sun, moon, and Milky Way planner many photographers grew up on, with a free web version. But its main app is 2D, seeing terrain in 3D means a separate companion, and detailed cloud forecasting comes from a paid add-on. LightPlan folds all of that into one modern app: 3D terrain, sun, moon, Milky Way, and the weather, together. Here's an honest side-by-side.
| LightPlan | Photographer's Ephemeris | |
|---|---|---|
| Planning approach | Unified 3D terrain + map in one app | 2D map lines (3D is a separate companion) |
| Sun & moon position and timing | Yes — in 3D over terrain | Yes (2D map) |
| 3D terrain visualization | Built in | Via a separate 3D app/tool |
| Real-time 3D shadows (Shadow View) | Yes (Pro) | Via a separate 3D app/tool |
| Milky Way planner | Yes — core rise, azimuth, altitude, season | Yes (map line) |
| Cloud cover & precipitation overlays | Built in (Pro) | Via a paid add-on |
| Moon phase calendar | Yes — daily illumination | Yes |
| Event alerts (sunrise, golden hour, moon) | Yes | Limited |
| 3D compass view | Yes | Limited |
| Home & lock screen widgets | Yes (incl. Milky Way widget) | Limited |
| Interface | Modern, visual, guided | Utilitarian, map-first |
| Platforms | iOS & Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Price | Free to use; some premium features via subscription | Free web; paid apps / subscription |
Comparison based on publicly available information and intended as a fair, factual overview; features and pricing may change — please verify on each product's website or store listing. "The Photographer's Ephemeris" and "TPE" are trademarks of their respective owner. LightPlan is an independent app and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Photographer's Ephemeris.
Why photographers choose LightPlan
Everything in one app
3D terrain, sun and moon paths, the Milky Way, a moon calendar, and the weather — together, instead of a map app plus a separate 3D tool plus a cloud add-on.
True 3D terrain
See the light in 3D over real mountains and ridgelines, with Shadow View rendering real-time terrain and building shadows — no switching to a companion app.
Weather included
Cloud cover and precipitation overlays are built in, so you can find clear windows and dark nights without a paid forecast add-on.
Frequently asked questions
Is LightPlan a good alternative to The Photographer's Ephemeris?
Yes. TPE is a trusted, map-based sun, moon, and Milky Way planner, but its main app is 2D and terrain in 3D lives in a separate companion. LightPlan brings it together: sun, moon, and Milky Way in true 3D over real terrain, plus built-in cloud and precipitation overlays and a moon phase calendar, in one modern app that is free to use on iOS and Android.
What does LightPlan do that TPE doesn't?
LightPlan combines 3D terrain, sun and moon paths, a Milky Way planner, a moon phase calendar, and cloud and precipitation overlays in a single app — no separate 3D tool or cloud-forecast add-on required. Shadow View also renders real-time terrain and building shadows on the map.
Does LightPlan show 3D terrain like TPE 3D?
Yes. LightPlan's 3D terrain map renders real elevation — mountains, ridgelines, and valleys — and shows the sun, moon, and Milky Way in 3D over your scene, so you can tell whether a peak will block or reveal the light before you travel. It's built into the same app you plan in.
Is LightPlan free, and does it work on Android?
LightPlan is free to use on both iOS and Android. The free tier includes 3D sun and moon visualization for any location, up to 72 hours of planning, preset camera angles, a 3D compass, up to 5 saved locations, and golden hour timings. Pro adds weather overlays, Shadow View, an unlimited time range, unlimited locations, widgets, and custom camera presets.
Can LightPlan plan the Milky Way and dark nights?
Yes. The Milky Way planner shows when the galactic core rises, its azimuth and altitude over your scene, and which nights fall within Milky Way season, while the moon phase calendar with daily illumination helps you find dark, moonless nights. A home screen Milky Way widget shows tonight's conditions at a glance.
Plan your best light with LightPlan
3D terrain, sun, moon, Milky Way, and weather — together, and free to use.
