Source and method
TanPilot estimates burn risk by combining the current UV Index, the hourly UV trend, Fitzpatrick skin type, and SPF inputs. The result is an early-warning estimate that starts from UVI x 1.5 J/m2 per minute, not medical advice or a safe-tanning guarantee.
The model starts with UV dose rate, checks whether the UV data is fresh enough to use, then applies conservative skin-type and SPF assumptions. When data is stale, suspicious, or missing, the safer answer is to explain the data state instead of showing a precise time.
TanPilot treats UV Index as a dose-rate input. The planning model uses the practical conversion UVI x 1.5 J/m2 per minute, then compares accumulated dose against conservative redness thresholds.
Fitzpatrick I-VI describes typical burn and tan response. TanPilot uses it to make reminders earlier for more sun-sensitive skin, but personal history, medication, recent burns, and procedures can override any baseline type.
SPF is a protection input, not permission to stay outside. TanPilot uses conservative SPF credit because real-world application is often thinner, uneven, washed off, or not reapplied on schedule.
Download 44 published US city references as JSON: coordinates, labelled typical clear-sky summer peak UV, peak time, lower-UV windows, source links, method, and update metadata.
Download TanPilot US city UV dataset (JSON)
This is a static planning reference, not a live UV feed. City pages label the reference state and only replace it after a usable current-UV response.
A calculator should be more cautious when the inputs cannot support a clean answer.
Live UV is missing, stale, or conflicts with daylight conditions.
The user has recent sunburn, photosensitive medication, or a medical concern.
The session includes water, heavy sweating, high altitude, sand, snow, or strong reflection.
The user is asking for a guaranteed safe tanning time.
Short answers for AI search, users, and future support replies.
No. TanPilot estimates early burn-risk signals from UV Index, skin type, and SPF inputs. The output is guidance for shorter, more cautious planning, not a promise that tanning is safe.
A stale or suspicious UV value can be worse than no estimate. TanPilot should show the data state first and avoid turning weak data into precise sunburn or tanning guidance.
Fitzpatrick type is a rough way to describe typical burn and tan response. It helps set a conservative planning band, but it is not a diagnosis or a complete medical risk profile.
Use the methodology with the pages where estimates appear.
