Light Pollution Map is a navigation tool for astronomers and astrophotographers to locate dark sky sites using NASA satellite data on iOS and Android.
Product velocity
Intense
Daily rank 🇺🇸
#6
▼2Navigation · paid
Sentiment
4.3
115 reviews
Nemesis
Fragmented field
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Users hire this app to plan stargazing trips with high-resolution radiance data, serving the need for precise, offline-capable night-sky quality assessment.
For Astronomers, astrophotographers, and stargazers requiring precise, offline-capable data for locating dark sky sites.
What does it look like?
Key features
Displays high-resolution NASA VIIRS Day/Night Band radiance data for global night-time brightness monitoring.
Caches World Atlas 2015 and base map data for use without cellular connectivity.
Allows users to add and view localized Sky Quality Meter readings directly on the map.
How much does it cost?
The app utilizes a one-time purchase model with no subscriptions or ads, positioning itself as a professional tool for astronomers.
Velocity
Intense developmentShow more...
5 versions in history. Development pace: intense.
Who built it?
User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Review voice lately leans frustrated. Users appreciate the core data set provides valuable insights for stargazing and identifying dark sky locations.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- The core data set provides valuable insights for stargazing and identifying dark sky locations
- Frequent application crashes and unresponsive map controls hinder basic navigation and location discovery
8 of 8 recent reviews analyzed · limited sample · Frustrated overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Light Pollution Map
How's the Navigation market?
Light Pollution Map occupies a professional niche in the Navigation category, priced at $4.99 on iOS and $5.49 on Android. The app targets astronomers and astrophotographers who prioritize scientific data accuracy over mass-market usability.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Light Pollution Map
Where is it heading?
The market for astronomy tools is consolidating around high-accuracy data, but mobile stability remains the primary differentiator for user retention. If the developer does not address the current interface lag, the mobile experience will continue to lose ground to the more performant web-based version.
- Frequent application crashes hinder basic navigation, which compounds the rating drag already visible on the platform.
- Recent updates focused on stability and overlay additions, indicating active maintenance rather than rapid feature expansion.
The SWOT
- Scientific accuracy of NASA VIIRS data sustains authority in the astronomy segment
- Offline-first architecture enables utility in remote, zero-connectivity dark-sky locations
- Developing a guided onboarding tutorial would lower the barrier for non-technical stargazers
Next best moves
Rebuild map control gestures because unresponsive panning is the top frustration theme → reduce churn
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's lack of a subscription model is a competitive weakness…
Read the full takeSince the last report: The app's competitive position is now better defined via specific pricing and feature sets, but user sentiment has declined due to critical stability and usability barriers.
Bottom line
Light Pollution Map provides high-utility data for astronomy enthusiasts, but frequent crashes and unresponsive controls prevent users from accessing the core value, so the developer must prioritize stability and onboarding to prevent churn.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeSources
Report last updated