ZoomCam

Free map-based photography tool

Plan a distant view and line up the moon.

Mark where you will stand and what you want to photograph. Get the real-world distance, compass bearing, curvature estimate and the closest moon alignment for your date.

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Click the map to place the camera.

Shot setup

Drag either marker or enter exact coordinates. Your locations stay in this browser.

Camera position
Subject position
meters
meters
0.13 is a standard estimate
Detected from the camera point; you can change it.
Ground distance--Between both map points
Camera bearing--From camera to subject
Horizon geometry--Curvature and refraction only
Best moon alignment--Local time at camera

Line-of-sight geometry

Models a spherical Earth with adjustable atmospheric refraction. It does not include terrain, buildings or weather.

Combined horizon--
Curvature drop--
Target top angle--
Extra height needed--
Place two points to begin

The planner will compare your shot distance with the geometric horizon.

Moon direction timeline

The marker shows when the moon's compass direction is closest to the subject bearing while above the horizon.

Moon azimuth--
Moon altitude--
Direction gap--
Phase--

Choose a date to calculate lunar alignment.

Plan a landmark, skyline or moonrise from the right place

Long-distance photography depends on geometry before it depends on zoom. A small change in camera position can change the compass direction to a mountain, tower, bridge or skyline. That determines whether the moon can appear beside or behind the subject.

What the visibility estimate means

The planner adds the camera horizon and subject horizon using an effective Earth radius. A standard refraction coefficient of 0.13 is useful for planning, but the real atmosphere changes. A geometrically visible target can still be blocked by hills, trees, buildings, haze or clouds.

How to use the moon result

The best alignment time minimizes the difference between the moon azimuth and your subject bearing. Check the moon altitude as well: it tells you how high above a level horizon the moon will appear. Visit the full moon and sun planner for rise, set and twilight windows.

Safety

Never point a camera, phone lens, binoculars or a telescope at the sun without certified solar equipment. This tool is for planning only.

Take the plan outside.

Use ZoomCam on iPhone or Android to frame the distant view when you arrive.