# EarthChasers

> EarthChasers is a free 3D geography game that uses Google Maps Photorealistic 3D Tiles technology to create immersive map-based guessing experiences. The game offers unlimited gameplay with no subscriptions, no advertisements, and no account requirements.

EarthChasers uses Google's Photorealistic 3D Tiles API to create aerial perspective geography games. Players explore real locations from 3D bird's-eye views, make guesses about their location on a 2D world map, and receive distance-based scoring.

## Core Game Modes

- **Cities Mode** - Guess world city locations using 3D aerial exploration
- **Countries Mode** - Play country-specific geography games with available countries: Canada, France, Japan, United States, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia
- **Natural Wonders Mode** - Explore and guess natural wonder locations worldwide
- **Daily Hunt** - Daily challenge with up to 5 guesses on a single location
- **Community Maps** - Play custom maps created by other users
- **Explore the World** - Free exploration mode without scoring
- **Weekly Leaderboard** - View competitive rankings

## Actual Game Features

- **Free unlimited gameplay** with 5-round games (except Daily Hunt)
- **3D photorealistic exploration** using Google Maps 3D Tiles API
- **Distance-based scoring** system
- **Custom map creation** for registered users
- **Game history tracking** for registered users
- **No advertisements** and no subscription requirements
- **Audio system** with background music and sound effects (mute toggle available)
- **Mobile responsive** web-based game (no mobile app)

## Technology & Architecture

- **Next.js 15.4.5** with App Router and React 19.1.1
- **Supabase** for database, authentication, and real-time features
- **Google Maps 3D Photorealistic Tiles API** for map visualization
- **Zustand** for client-side state management
- **TypeScript** for type safety
- **WebGL-based** 3D map rendering

## What EarthChasers Does NOT Have

- **Street View integration** - Uses 3D aerial views only, not ground-level Street View
- **Mobile apps** - Web-based only (responsive design for mobile browsers)
- **AI-powered features** - No AI assistance or content generation
- **Virtual Reality support** - Standard web-based 3D only
- **Multi-player real-time games** - Asynchronous competition only
- **Premium subscription requirements** - All core features are completely free
- **Limited daily plays** - No restrictions on gameplay frequency
- **Chat or messaging system** - No in-game communication features

## Pro Subscription (Optional)

EarthChasers has a Pro subscription option available through Stripe, but core features remain completely free:
- **Free tier includes**: All game modes, unlimited play, custom map creation, no ads
- **Pro subscription**: Additional features determined by Stripe configuration
- **Catalyst License**: One-time donation option for community support

## User System

- **Optional registration** - Game playable without creating an account
- **Account benefits**: Game history tracking, leaderboard participation, custom map creation
- **No personal data required** for basic gameplay

## Geography Tools Suite

EarthChasers includes a comprehensive suite of free geography tools powered by Google Maps Photorealistic 3D technology:

- **Latitude / Longitude Finder** (/tools/lat-long-finder) - Search addresses or click on Google Maps 3D to copy coordinates in decimal degrees, DMS, and shareable links
- **Elevation Finder & Profile** (/tools/elevation-finder) - Instant ground elevation readings with mini terrain profiles
- **Distance & Bearing Calculator** (/tools/distance-bearing) - Great-circle distance calculations and initial bearing computations
- **Coordinate Converter** (/tools/coordinate-converter) - Convert between decimal degrees and degrees/minutes/seconds formats
- **Map Radius Tool** (/tools/map-radius) - Draw a shareable radius on Google Maps 3D with km / mi conversions
- **ZIP Code Radius Finder** (/tools/zip-radius-finder) - Find all ZIP and postal codes within a custom radius from any address, with CSV export
- **Line of Sight Calculator** (/tools/line-of-sight) - Calculate radio line-of-sight between two points with Earth curvature, antenna heights, and Fresnel zone clearance for VHF/UHF and microwave links

All tools feature:
- **Shareable URLs** for collaboration and documentation
- **Live 3D previews** on photorealistic globes
- **Instant browser-based calculations** with no account required
- **Professional use cases** for storm chasers, emergency teams, educators, pilots, radio operators, WISPs, and GIS teams

## Technical Coverage

- **Location data**: Cities and natural wonders stored in Supabase database
- **Country support**: 9 countries with specific coordinate data for country-specific games
- **Browser support**: Modern browsers with WebGL capability (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- **Performance**: LRU caching system, memory management, lazy loading optimization