![]() But the maps proved to be useful for studying a hitherto unknown area: Where do I find my first thermal? Thermal probability is a good idea if no other signs for thermals are available. What do I as a pilot need these maps for?First of all, very good pilots which are familiar with a certain flight area, barely profit from the maps. This is caused by the fact, that most pilots only upload a flight if they at least catch the first thermal. Furthermore, thermals next to popular launch pads are mostly overrated (the position, however, is correct). Regions with sparse information were kept transparent in order to reduce clutter. For example in the flatlands the prediction quality is generally lower, since there are fewer flights and most of them are performed according to cloud position and not according to static trigger points on the surface. In some regions, only sparse thermal predictions can be shown, since there is only little information available. It was also discovered that maps are generally better if the topology is the main thermal factor. How good are thermal maps?The main factor for good thermal maps is the flight density in a given area. ![]() The wind component is limited as much as possible by reducing thermals to trigger points. Given a certain area, most flights are performed under very similar conditions and the positions of the trigger points are roughly the same. However, weather is very important for paragliders since pilots mainly chose the area according to the conditions. What about the weather?Surprisingly the global weather conditions are of minor importance if one wants to find the thermal trigger point. Weather properties such as wind speed, altitude of the cloud base, gradient of the air and so on depend on the given day. A pilot has to be aware of winds in order to actually hit the thermal. Wind shift in flyable heights is approximated linearly. What's a trigger point?A thermal trigger point is a theoretical spot on the surface, where the heated air packages detach from the ground. The maps are soly based on real flights and void of any model data. Thermal Maps FAQThermal maps show the probablity to find thermal uplift at a certain geographical location using a paraglider.
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