Frequently Asked Questions
LiveAtlas FAQ
Answers about real satellite cloud imagery, dynamic desktop wallpapers, privacy, performance, supported regions, WeatherKit, and how LiveAtlas turns your screen into a live Earth view.
Is this just a wallpaper app?
No.
LiveAtlas automatically retrieves near real-time satellite cloud imagery from publicly available meteorological sources and turns it into dynamic desktop wallpapers.
What you see is not a pre-rendered animation or looping video. It reflects actual cloud movement and real-world weather systems as they evolve. Your desktop changes together with the Earth.
Are the satellite images real?
Yes.
LiveAtlas uses publicly available weather satellite imagery from multiple global sources. The images update continuously, so the cloud patterns and weather systems you see are based on real atmospheric conditions.
How is this different from regular live wallpapers?
Most live wallpaper apps use pre-rendered videos, looping animations, or static image rotation. LiveAtlas uses real near real-time satellite data instead.
It is closer to a live Earth visualization tool, real-time weather desktop, and dynamic Earth monitoring experience than a traditional wallpaper app.
Why does the app use subscriptions?
Subscriptions help support continuous satellite data integration, higher-resolution imagery, weather overlay features, ongoing macOS compatibility updates, and future feature development.
LiveAtlas is designed as a continuously evolving application rather than a one-time static release.
Does the app upload my personal data?
No.
LiveAtlas primarily operates locally on your Mac. The app does not collect your files, desktop content, or personal documents.
If weather features are enabled, location information may be used to retrieve local weather data, but only for functionality purposes.
Will it affect performance or battery life?
LiveAtlas is designed to be lightweight. Unlike video-based live wallpapers, it does not continuously render animations in the background.
Most of the time, it simply updates the wallpaper periodically, resulting in relatively low CPU and GPU usage.
Does it support multiple monitors?
Yes. You can use the same or different satellite regions across multiple displays.
Which regions are supported?
LiveAtlas currently supports multiple global regions, including Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Oceania, and the Arctic.
Additional satellite sources and regions may be added over time.
Why are some cloud maps not updated every second?
Public weather satellite imagery is updated at different intervals depending on the source. Some satellites refresh every 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 15 to 30 minutes.
Update frequency depends on the availability of the corresponding satellite data provider.
Does it support WeatherKit?
Yes. When weather features are enabled, LiveAtlas can overlay weather information directly onto the satellite wallpaper.
Is this an official NASA application?
No.
LiveAtlas is an independent macOS application. It uses publicly available satellite and meteorological imagery for visualization purposes.
What future features are planned?
Planned directions include more satellite data sources, higher-resolution imagery, advanced weather overlays, menu bar live status, custom refresh strategies, multiple map projections, timeline playback, and storm, typhoon, and aurora tracking.
Why does the app request location access?
Location access helps automatically select your region, retrieve local weather information, and match the most relevant satellite imagery.
You can also disable location access and manually choose regions.
Can the app work offline?
Most features rely on real-time satellite data and therefore require an internet connection for updates. Previously cached imagery may still remain temporarily available offline.
Why does this feel different from a typical wallpaper app?
Because LiveAtlas is not intended to be a traditional wallpaper utility. It is closer to a live Earth visualization system, an ambient weather desktop, a global cloud monitoring experience, and a geek-oriented real-time Earth tool.
Its goal is to make your desktop reflect the actual state of the planet in real time.
Live Earth on your desktop