Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Shadowmap VS Spline

Compare Shadowmap VS Spline and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Shadowmap logo Shadowmap

Interactive 3D maps app to visualize solar shadows worldwide

Spline logo Spline

Design tool for 3d web experiences
  • Shadowmap Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-05-25
  • Spline Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-03

Shadowmap features and specs

  • Accurate Solar Mapping
    Shadowmap provides precise solar positioning and shadow casting, allowing users to accurately determine sunlight exposure on specific geographic locations.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • Versatile Applications
    Shadowmap supports a variety of use cases, including real estate analysis, urban planning, and outdoor event planning, enhancing its utility across different sectors.
  • Time-Based Simulation
    Users can simulate shadows at different times of the day and year, helping in planning and decision-making processes concerning solar exposure.

Possible disadvantages of Shadowmap

  • Limited Accessibility
    Shadowmap may not be accessible to all users due to potential geographic restrictions or platform limitations.
  • Data Dependence
    The accuracy of the service depends on the availability and quality of underlying geographic and solar data, which can vary by location.
  • Subscription Costs
    Advanced features of Shadowmap may require a subscription fee, which might not be feasible for all users or small business operations.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly design, some users might still experience a learning curve to fully utilize all its features effectively.

Spline features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Spline offers a highly intuitive and clean interface that makes it accessible for both beginners and professional designers.
  • Real-Time Collaboration
    Allows multiple users to work on the same design simultaneously, improving teamwork and productivity.
  • Interactivity
    Spline enables users to create interactive 3D designs, which can enhance the user experience in applications or on websites.
  • Web-Based Platform
    Being a web-based platform, it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, promoting flexibility and convenience.
  • Export Options
    Various export options are available, including the ability to export designs as code or embed them directly into websites.

Possible disadvantages of Spline

  • Performance Issues
    Being web-based, it might have performance limitations when handling very complex or large 3D models compared to dedicated software.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Might lack some advanced features and tools available in more specialized 3D design software, potentially restricting advanced users.
  • Internet Dependency
    Requires a stable internet connection to be used effectively, which could be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • File Compatibility
    May not support all file types or formats, which could hinder workflows that involve multiple design tools.
  • Subscription Cost
    Some features might be locked behind a subscription model, which could add to the operational costs for freelancers or small teams.

Analysis of Spline

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Spline is generally considered a good tool, particularly for those looking to explore 3D design without diving into more complex software packages. Its combination of ease of use, overall functionality, and modern web-based approach makes it a compelling choice for many design tasks.

Why this product is good

  • Spline is recognized for its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities in creating 3D designs directly in the browser. It integrates essential features like real-time collaboration, animations, physics-based simulation, and a library of pre-built assets, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced designers. Additionally, its ability to export 3D models and animations in various formats helps in diverse applications such as web development and AR/VR projects.

Recommended for

  • Web designers looking to integrate 3D elements into their websites.
  • Graphic designers seeking an efficient tool for creating 3D graphics.
  • Beginners in 3D design due to its intuitive interface and learning resources.
  • Professionals who need to collaborate in real-time on 3D design projects.

Shadowmap videos

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Spline videos

Spline 3D Review | Create amazing 3D for the Web!

More videos:

  • Review - First Look at Design Tool for 3D, Spline
  • Review - Harbor Freight 3/8" & 1/2" Spline Drive Socket Set Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Shadowmap and Spline)
Web App
100 100%
0% 0
Design Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Drones
100 100%
0% 0
3D
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Spline seems to be a lot more popular than Shadowmap. While we know about 53 links to Spline, we've tracked only 3 mentions of Shadowmap. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Shadowmap mentions (3)

  • Map I created to show sun exposure for any mountain - shademap.app
    Great job OP! I love how snappy your app is. And it's great that there are now more and more tools being developed in this scope. I started out some years ago with app.shadowmap.org – out of being depressed in Viennese/Austrian winters (narrow roads, low Sun … you get it), in an attempt to find the Sun in and outside of the city. And now this tool is used in various fields – including backcountry/outdoors – which... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Death Valley hits 130 degrees, near world record
    It's a bit tricky with high zoom levels because there might be a mountain 5 miles away that's casting shade on your block but at high zoom levels, features far away tend to be ignored for performance reasons. I've been using the map for mountaineering and in my experience it's quite accurate +/-2 to 3 minutes. Do you live in the extreme north or south? Maybe the elevation data for your region is not accurate. The... - Source: Hacker News / almost 4 years ago
  • View shadows cast by topography and buildings, based on date and time of day, anywhere on Earth.
    3D, freemium, topography + structures: https://app.shadowmap.org/. Source: almost 4 years ago

Spline mentions (53)

  • Top AI 3D Model Generators in 2025: Revolutionizing 3D Creation
    Spline is a real-time 3D design tool with a focus on web interactivity. Its AI features allow users to generate 3D shapes, animations, and scenes directly from text, making it perfect for designers who want to build interactive websites and apps. - Source: dev.to / 4 days ago
  • Getting Started with Spline 🎭: The Future of 3D Web Design
    3D design is no longer reserved for high-end graphics professionals. With tools like Spline, anyone can create stunning 3D designs right in their browser. Whether you're a web designer looking to add a new dimension to your projects or a developer curious about the possibilities, Spline offers a user-friendly platform to bring your 3D ideas to life. - Source: dev.to / 10 months ago
  • Top 15 Tools for Frontend Developers: Optimize Your Workflow
    Spline is a free 3D design software that allows you to create interactive web experiences. With Spline, you can design, animate, and integrate 3D objects into your web pages. This tool is perfect for adding a new dimension to your projects and engaging users with interactive elements. - Source: dev.to / 11 months ago
  • Most valuable skills in design?
    Before UX, I was an Industrial Designer. I used Solidworks and KeyShot (and some Unreal Engine for Arch Viz). If you don't plan on doing Arch Viz or serious ID, then you should look at other 3D programs that's easier to learn. Check out: https://spline.design/, Adobe's (I forgot which one), or Vectary. I personally prefer Spline. I haven't touched it in awhile though cos I have been coding more lately. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Hey guys 👋 i need help what should I have to learn first Blender or Maya .
    You could start with Spline right from a web browser for free. It’s fairly new but very approachable for a total 3D newbie and you could offer your work to web builder who need to inject 3D into their websites with ease, and you can export AR experiences for iOS devices. Then you can move up to Blender to create more complex scenes. https://spline.design. Source: almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Shadowmap and Spline, you can also consider the following products

Mapbox - An open source mapping platform for custom designed maps. Our APIs and SDKs are the building blocks to integrate location into any mobile or web app.

Vectary - Vectary is a free, online 3D modeling tool and sharing platform.

AvoMap - Create 3D Videos Of Your Adventures

Womp - 3D Made Easy

Mapbox GLJS V2 - Interactive, customizable 3D maps in your browser

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.