Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.

For K-12 Students · Viewshed

Viewshed for a viewshed

Built for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework. Simulate a viewshed live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Viewshed / Line of SightLive

what can you see from here?

Controls

Presets

Observer position

Observer height (m)

A viewshed marks every point visible from an observer, hidden behind intervening ridges. Scanning outward, a point is seen only if its angle above the horizontal exceeds every closer obstacle — so terrain shadows fall behind hills. Raising the observer reveals far more. It is essential for siting cell towers, wind turbines, scenic overlooks, and military positions.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Visible cells0

Coverage0%

Observer height10 m

Governing equation

d_{horizon} = 2 R h = 2 \cdot 6371 km \cdot 10 m \approx 11.3 km

Reading this result: At 10 m the observer sees over closer bumps but taller ridges still cast blind spots — coverage lands near 0%.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →

Also for:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers First Responders General version →

More with Viewshed

Viewshed for a GPS route Viewshed for a hiking trail Viewshed for a delivery zone Viewshed for a flight path Viewshed for a shipping lane Viewshed for a cell-tower map Viewshed for a flood zone Viewshed for a wildfire perimeter

Frequently asked questions

Is this good for k-12 students?: Yes — this version of "Viewshed for a viewshed" is framed for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.