Vital City
StreetLightMeter
Measure street lighting with your phone's camera and report problems directly to NYC 311. ·
Finding your location…

Measure

Point your camera straight ahead
and tap the button below
⚠ If a car is in the frame, wait for it to pass before tapping.

Camera Access

To measure light levels, the app needs your camera. The image is analyzed on your phone and never uploaded.

Your Reading

0
est. lux
Measuring…
Location
Address
Coordinates
GPS accuracy
What's the problem?
Additional Details (Optional)
Look for a stamped number on the pole, usually near eye level.
Attach photo to report
Saves the camera image with your reading
Report to NYC 311
What to say
Call 311 Now
Message to 311-692
Open Messages

Your Reports

📱
Step 1 of 4
Go outside at night
Walk to a street or sidewalk where you think the lighting is poor. StreetLightMeter works best after dark — that's when lighting problems are visible.
🔦
Step 2 of 4
Hold your phone at chest height
Point the rear camera (the one on the back of your phone) straight ahead — not at the sky, not at the ground. Hold it at chest height, like you're taking a photo of the sidewalk and street ahead of you.
Works with any phone — iPhone or Android
📷
Step 3 of 4
Tap the button and hold steady
Tap "Measure Light Here," then allow camera access if prompted. You'll see a live view from your camera. Tap the capture button and hold still for two seconds while the app analyzes the light.
If a car is in the frame, wait for it to pass before tapping.
📋
Step 4 of 4
Report it to 311
The app will show your reading and tell you if the area is dark, dim, or adequate. Pick the problem type, then file a report online, call 311, or text 311. Your reading is saved on the map so others can see it too.
Your camera image is never uploaded
Reading saved!