When is it easiest to see tracks?

The visibility of tracks is enhanced when the sun is at a low angle, such as in the early morning or late afternoon. This is because the low angle of the sunlight casts longer shadows, highlighting the indentations and details of the tracks on the ground. When the sun is lower, it illuminates the surface texture and contours more effectively, allowing a clearer view of the tracks.

During midday, the sunlight is directly overhead and creates minimal shadows, which can make it difficult to discern tracks on flat surfaces. Similarly, when the sun is at a high angle, it can wash out the details of the tracks by illuminating them uniformly, further reducing visibility. Overcast conditions can also obscure tracks, as the absence of direct sunlight limits the contrast needed to distinguish the tracks from the surrounding terrain. Therefore, a low sun angle is the optimal condition for spotting tracks effectively.