Name: Light Pollution Map - Dark Sky
Rating: 3.44627 (912 reviews)

User Reviews for Light Pollution Map - Dark Sky

3.45 out of 5

912 Ratings

6 months ago, ScubaTeam

Used to be a great App, crashes now and is unusable

This used to be a great app. I used it frequently to plan routes when traveling to find good dark areas to stop for the night to do some imaging. Currently using iOS 17 and this app stopped working for me at about 4 months ago. The app loads fine and then as soon as the map loads the app shuts down with a hard crash. The main menu loads at first open, and you can use every menu item without crash, but once the map is opened the whole app crashes. Hope an update is put out soon to fix. It’s hard to find a replacement that does what this one used to do.

1 month ago, Rock4Jesus777

Back to Useable!

I was getting ready to delete this app when I decided to look it up and see if there were any updates pending. The app hasn’t worked for me for quite some time and I was tired of it taking up space. When it worked it was an invaluable tool for night time/astrophotography by offering a light pollution map that showed you LP conditions based on your location. But with functionality lost, it’s a waste. THEN I came across a review that suggested a “fix” to keep the app from crashing. IT WORKED! I just set Location Access Permissions to “Never” and I can use the LPM portion of the app again! The only problem with this fix is that you have to manually find where you are and pin your location. This doesn’t seem too complicated unless you’re somewhere you’ve never been before. This app hasn’t been updated in a long time and I fear it’s going to go the way of so many other good apps and be lost without intervention, optimization and fixes. I hope it does get fixed! I love this app!

7 months ago, Banditsuni

App no longer usable

For years I have used the app without a glitch, but now it crashes every time I try to look at the map. An update/fix would be nice. The last update was 4 years ago, operating systems have changed a lot since. I would be willing to pay for the app if it worked.

2 weeks ago, DissappointedCC

Crashes within 5 seconds of opening the Light Pollution Map

When I open the application, it works fine until I view the Light Pollution Map and as soon as it re-paints my local area, it crashes every time. I tested this on my iPad as well and the same thing happens on an updated iOS. Unfortunately, until they fix this problem, I would strongly recommend choosing a different application for light pollution map viewing.

8 months ago, s.mcmahan

So far, crashes

I just d/l’ed app and it crashed. Hoping that would be remedied when I purchased the professional version upgrade. Still crashes. I did a hard boot on my phone. Still crashes. Sure wish the developer would support the persons who are trying to support them. Four years since an update… hmmm. Tells me I was too hasty to download it based on the promises in the listing. Won’t make that error again. Oh well. Guess I’ll see if there’s a solution. Nothing in the help files about crashing either.

1 year ago, user727484838272

App Crashes

I’m a beginner astrophotographer and I use the LPM app quite a bit. Recently, whenever I go to open the app and open the Light Pollution Map, the app crashes and automatically brings me back to my Home Screen. I thought that there’s an update that I had to install in order to be able to use the light pollution map, but I checked the App Store and there’s no update. Don’t get me wrong, the LPM app is great cause it provides information to people on what there Bortle is, where in the US (Or wherever you live) are Bortle 1 locations, etcetera. But the app has been crashing for me for about a couple of weeks and I’m hoping that it will be fixed.

8 months ago, Newclear Fishion

JUST TURN OFF YOUR LOCATION

Go to Settings and Set Permissions to View User Location to Never. This will fix the app from SPAZZING OUT and crashing 100% of the time within 5 seconds. Other than that, it’s a great app, and can save a lot of pain trying to find a good spot, or settling for less.

5 months ago, This is not NKJV

Crash

This app keeps crashing. When you zoom in on a area it crashes and sends you back to Home Screen.I thought if I could update it, it might would fix it. but they were no updates to fix this. It’s a shame because I really enjoyed using this app when it was working properly. but as of today I would to give it a 0 stars because it crashes. Hopefully they will fix it soon and then I can reinstall it on my phone..

10 months ago, Val Hoffman

App crashes and is unusable

I used to use this map all the time. Loved it! But now it crashes soon after the map loads. If you try to zoom in on a smaller area-line your city, it crashes immediately. I have an iPhone 11. Been updated several times. Still doesn’t work. So I guess the LPM creators need to figure it. Doesn’t appear they are though, since it’s been doing this for a long time☹️

5 years ago, eeowaa

Great app and customer service

As an amateur astronomer, this app is perfect for finding a good location to observe. If you are serious about astronomy, the paid version has enough useful features to justify a one-time purchase, plus you get priority support, which has proven beneficial to me. Hats off to the devs!

11 months ago, Stewmeister50

When I click to go to the light pollution map it crashes

The main reason I downloaded this app was for the light pollution map. It crashed the first time I tried to open the map and had everyone since then. I’m going to uninstall it because the main feature I need doesn’t work. Might try coming back to it later if they can fix this bug.

4 years ago, bcampbell

Will not load light pollution layer, minimizes app into background mode

My Astrophotography instructor from a local College recommended this app. Very disappointed, it is unusable. Allowed it to use my location while open, selected light pollution map from list, the satellite view displayed. Only 30% of the light pollution overlay manages to load from the left side of iPad Pro display, then instantly the app closes! Double click my home button, and I see the app in the App Switcher. There are no updates in the App Store.

11 months ago, Haka jack

App performance

The app has good intentions, especially for astrophotographers trying to plan out those good shots. But the app keeps crashing in the light pollution map, and I just downloaded it. The events calendar also isn’t up to date either, I’m sure there are more events than just meteor showers.

1 month ago, JOSEYWELLS12

Crashes

Can never pull up the light Pollution Map as soon as it gets my location the app crashes and closes up used to be good but now it doesn't work

5 years ago, jalangle

A busy disappointed

For the pro price, I’m disappointed. The location manager part of the app just crashes when trying to use as does the aurora. There are issues with zoom resetting when weather overlay is on and it is telling when the darkness here ends in the middle of the day. Also, the calendar appears to have nothing in it.

1 month ago, Lightscapes

Cannot access light pollution map

I just downloaded this app despite reading its lackluster reviews. And now I am experiencing what the naysayers wrote: the app crashes when trying to access the light pollution map. After uninstalling it then reinstalling, it isn’t any better. At least I didn’t pay for the app.

7 months ago, TravelingTex

Unusable

This used to be a great app and I used it all the time! But somewhere in the last year, not sure when, it keeps crashing. I thought it was my iPhone as I’m still using an old iPhone 7 Plus. But two months ago I got an iPad 9th Gen and am up-to-date on all the iOS updates but it still crashes on my iPad as well. Sadly, this app is no longer useable.

2 months ago, Goldenrod farm

App just crashes

Every time I open this app, it shows the big map, then flashes to some sort of smaller map for a second and then crashes. Trying to contact support just results in a message that the ticket is closed. The app has not been updated in 4 years so I assume it is no longer supported and should be deleted from the App Store

8 months ago, Valentine021488

HORRIBLE all maps crash.

Idea of the app seems legit. As soon as you open the app it looks legit. All map features, which is the only useful part of the app, crash upon opening. Upgrading to pro is only a waste of 10 dollars because maps crash as well. This issue has been occurring since April. Wish I had read other reviews sooner.

4 weeks ago, Andy2852

App crashes all the time

The location in setting have to be turned off for the app to work. I send a request for help and got no response. Turning location off came from google. The cloud cover is an add on it work for a short time and now it has quit working. I wanted app to work but I was disappointed.

3 months ago, 12fpi23

What happened?

I liked this app. I’m not sure where it went or why it was removed and I’m very upset about it :(

5 years ago, travellingbears

4.3.5 version map zoom issue

With recent update to 4.3.5 I notice when zooming on iPad that map resets to original full USA view (starting point) after a few seconds automatically rather than holding at zoomed view. Using icon to go my location (drilled down view) gets same result. So you can’t get to detailed view of LPM to look at sites. What’s the point of the LPM now?

2 months ago, TheWeather123

App crashes on map load

Please fix the app crash once the light pollution map loads!

8 months ago, sk2007

App crashes iPhone 15 pro max

I’ll give it two stars because I am hoping this is a bug that will be fixed. But the app is unusable on my phone. I even bought the upgrade but no dice. Tried contacting via chat on the app twice with no response.

5 years ago, Bmehta

Unable to search

The app is great. However, for some reason I cannot type in a location. It keeps saying unable to search try again. I have internet connection and all.

4 months ago, M. C. Jordan

LPM Crashing

Like others have noted, of late LPM crashes and burns on startup. I had hoped for an update as well to solve this stabilty issue, but there is no update. Uninstalling and reinstalling did not help either. When it was working, it was a dynamite app! Are we now forced to look elsewhere?

6 months ago, new_macbook_user

The app crashes 100% of the time.

It starts to load the map but when it goes from the large area to my local area it crashes. Everything else seems to work. App and iOS are up to date. 15 max pro

2 years ago, Wacoed

Too Cluttered

Have this app on my iPad Air and Pro and am happy with. Will be upgrading. Added to my iPhone. There is so much junk on the screen you can hardly see the map. I have an SE. Apparently the developers think everyone has the bigger screen phones.

10 months ago, fit4apit

the most important feature crashes the app

I downloaded this so I could see the light pollution map but clicking the map crashes and closes the app. Other features work but the fact that the feature that shares the name of the app doesn’t work is… confusing at best.

3 months ago, stevedubya

I want to like this app

On iPad 10 I open app and US map displays fine but when I pinch zoom or select my location icon it crashes every time. Deleted app, reinstalled but same behavior. Using ipadOS 17.4.1.

2 months ago, Lockca

App crashes

I use the website version of this app frequently and love it but this app just does not work when you open the map. It crashes instantly. If the developer fixes this issue it is a 5star app.

11 months ago, akitty13

It keeps Crashing

This app was my favorite and it was working great for like 2 years. Recently anytime I open the light pollution app it crashes. I am so sad. I really hope it gets fixed.

9 months ago, Alex6es

Current location map crashes

Unfortunately the app crash every time the current position map is about to load. App has lot of potential but the main fixture, the light pollution, it crashes every time. Hopefully developers fixes this little issue.

6 months ago, Geddyme

Take this junk down.

I see reviews from more than a year ago about the iOS app crashing when the map (the major reason to get the app in the first place) is opened. Obviously not being supported any longer. I’m using iOS 17.2 and would rate 0 if possible.

3 months ago, Bdpiligian

Keeps crashing

I like the layout and functionality but keeps crashing

3 months ago, Nbenadom

Crashes 100% of the time

If I could give 0 stars for this, I would. It’s got a lot of nicely advertised features, but I can’t use any of them. iOS is updated; deleted and reinstalled app; restarted phone; etc… nothing works, including the developers. It crashes EVERY . Single . TIME.

6 months ago, Banjer dude

Used to work great

Used to work great but now just crashes whenever I try something like light pollution map. Uninstalled, reinstalled, rebooted, etc. It simply just won’t function. Moved on to another app that works consistently.

7 months ago, Matrix365!

Can’t use

App crashes all the time, will not load so not even usable. I use my computer to look at the stuff I need since this app has not worked in a while with no one apparently working to fix anything. Don’t waste your time or money for this app.

9 months ago, nikonpointer

Crashes on loading with iOS 17.0.3

Was my go to app to find dark locations but since the recent iOS update it just crashes when trying to load. Looks like it hasn’t been update since 2017 according g to the App Store. There’s a $4.99 pro version but what are the odds that’ll work?

3 months ago, Uncle Bruiser

Just upgraded to Pro and now when I try to open map it crashes

After the upgrade the app no longer will open map. It shows “loading” then crashes. So far inquiries have gone answered including a final request for refund. Crickets

5 months ago, DrJCMonty

Dunbar no longer seems to support app

It‘s now Feb of ´24. No updates x 4yrs. Data in lower left corner of screen never refreshes. Never has as far as I can remember. App randomly freezes. Attempts to get to app help at developers website dead end.

11 months ago, rigpasword

Non functional crashing app

Went to use this app after not using it for a while and it now crashes with most things I try to do with it. It appears as though the developer has abandoned it and is working on other apps for photographers.

11 months ago, Focus_Tom

Good idea overwhelmed by greed.

Shows sky pollution by artificial light but only for a few seconds just to disappear. Essentially software is unusable. Once a message indicating that I should pay if I want to use this appeared. I’m giving one star because I can’t use this even to evaluate how it works.

2 months ago, AcheronXaris

Doesn’t Work

I have installed, uninstalled, reinstalled this app … and every time I open the app and go to look at the actual light pollution map, the app crashes and closes. It used to work but now it doesn’t work at all. This is a total waste of money, useless.

7 months ago, MikeW805

Abandoned app but I have a tip to make it work

The developer has abandoned the app but there is a way to make it work. Go to your “phones” settings and scroll down to this app. Under “location” select NEVER. Viola she works, kind of…

2 weeks ago, Jelke Family

Horrible and useless. App crashes on opening.

App won't let you even open a map without a crashing. Tried on iPhone, iPad, and Macbook. All three crash on multiple attempts to open map, every single time. Completely useless.

2 months ago, KYjaybird

Doesn’t open.

Can’t report an issue; can’t contact developer; useless app without being able to let anyone know there’s an issue. Hopefully someone will see this and respond. I love the idea of this app. Hope it gets fixed.

5 months ago, mutate me

App Crashes

This app used to be wonderful & informative but it crashes when you open it. Just takes you back to your Home Screen. It’s been happening for years now. Don’t know why they haven’t fixed it. Try another app!

9 months ago, What’s a nickname?!!

Instantly crashes 😖

This seems like a very good app. However, every time I load it, it crashes. And I’ve noticed a lot of other people have this problem unfortunately.

11 months ago, David65465

App crashing

I paid $9.99 for the pro version, which was a huge mistake. I want my money back. The app crashes every time I open it. Apple — take this off the App Store… it looks like others are having the same issue and it’s not getting fixed!!!

Description

Light Pollution Map allows you to easily locate dark sky locations where the sky will not be affected by light pollution, allowing the best observance, star gazing, and photography of the night sky! But it's not just a light pollution map. There's so much more, such as aurora borealis live viewing map, meteor shower alerts, super moon alerts, lunar eclipse alerts, moon phases and info, aurora and magnetic field information, international space station tracker, and a lot more! Light Pollution Map will help you master the night sky.. List of all features: • Highly accurate, customizable and interactive light pollution map to find dark sky viewing locations near you. • See live aurora borealis information such as KP value, magnetic field information, and more for the hardcore aurora chaser. • Live aurora borealis visibility map for northern and southern hemisphere, with additional timelapse options. • Aurora information widgets (today widget). • ISS Tracker with live updates about the international space station including the location, visibility, velocity, altitude, and more. • Night sky event calendar allows you to find dates for lunar eclipses, super moons, and meteor showers. • Live images of the Sun via NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. • Darkness countdown timer until the darkest period of night so you know when the night sky will be the darkest. Also let you know when it starts getting light outside. • Astronomy photo of the day directly from NASA! A new one every day to look at! • Local temperature indicator to know if you need to bring a sweater before you even step outside. • Local cloud coverage indicator to know if you will be able to see anything before you step outside. • Cloud cover overlay on the main map to find clear sky locations at night. • Settings to customize the app. • Moon information such as moon phase, moon rise, and moon set times, days of next full moon and new moon, etc. • Moon direction tool which allows you to find where the moon will be, at any time, any date, for any location. • Enable a horizon safe radius circle to avoid light pollution from nearby cities on the map. • Local Aurora Borealis (Northern/Southern Lights) alerts and push notifications. • Global Aurora Borealis Activity alerts and push notifications. • Meteor shower alerts and push notifications. • Super moon alerts and push notifications. • Lunar eclipse alerts and push notifications. • Save and load your favorite dark sky locations. • Navigate to your saved locations using the Apple Maps app. Some features above require an optional in-app purchase to upgrade to the pro version. Every purchase helps us to continue running and developing the app and is much appreciated. Note: Light Pollution Map loads data online. Internet connection or wifi is required, and we are not responsible for any data usage chargers from your provider.