Show HN: Browser-based light pollution simulator using real photometric data
This "Show HN" unveils a browser-based light pollution simulator that uses real photometric data to render urban scenes and visualize sky-glow impact. Built with Rust, Bevy, and WASM, it offers a client-side, interactive tool for understanding and mitigating light pollution. Its sophisticated technical implementation and practical environmental application make it a compelling demonstration for the Hacker News community.
The Lowdown
The "Eulumdat Editor" is presented as a browser-based light pollution simulator, offering an interactive environment for analyzing and visualizing the environmental impact of urban lighting. This "Show HN" highlights a tool that processes real photometric data from standard luminaire files to accurately render streetlight behavior and its contribution to sky-glow. It enables users to directly observe how different lighting fixtures affect light pollution levels, showcasing a practical application of advanced web and 3D rendering technologies for environmental concerns.
- Interactive Skyglow Analysis: The core feature allows users to load real luminaire data and observe live updates to sky-glow grades (from F 'Severe' to A 'Excellent') as parameters like uplight percentage are adjusted. Switching to full-cutoff fixtures immediately demonstrates a dramatic reduction in light pollution.
- Comprehensive Data Processing: The system can parse various standard luminaire files, including LDT/EULUMDAT, IES LM-63, Oxytech, and ATLA-S001, making it versatile for professional use.
- Design Calculation Compliance: It supports design calculations against multiple international road lighting standards, such as EN 13201, ANSI/IES RP-8, CJJ 45, and IES-IDA MLO.
- Cutting-Edge Tech Stack: Developed with a Rust core (eulumdat-rs), Bevy for 3D rendering, and WASM for browser deployment, the entire application runs client-side without a backend.
- Open-Source Contribution: The project's underlying photometric library and related crates are open-source on GitHub and available on Crates.io.
This simulator represents a significant step towards accessible and accurate light pollution modeling, providing a valuable tool for lighting designers, urban planners, and environmental advocates to understand and mitigate sky-glow through data-driven insights.