About
Paragliding Earth is a collaborative, open-source web platform designed to serve as the world's most comprehensive database of free-flight paragliding sites. Built on an interactive, fullscreen, mobile-friendly map powered by Leaflet, it allows pilots and enthusiasts to discover paragliding sites, clubs, and professionals anywhere on the planet simply by panning and zooming the map. Registered users can add new sites, edit existing entries, upload pictures, and keep information current — making it a living resource maintained by the global paragliding community. Each site listing includes key details such as main takeoff and landing zones, alternate landings, parking areas, and GPS coordinates. The platform supports GPX file exports so pilots can load waypoints directly into their GPS devices or flight instruments. PgEarth also exposes a public API, enabling developers and app creators to integrate site data into third-party tools and applications. The project is open source, hosted on Framagit, and welcomes developer contributions for new features. Designed with privacy in mind, the platform is free of Google and Facebook tracking scripts and uses minimal cookies. Data is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 (existing data) and ODbL 1.0 (new contributions from December 2024 onward). PgEarth is ideal for paragliding pilots planning cross-country flights, clubs managing site information, and developers building free-flight applications. While the data is community-sourced and should always be verified locally, it remains the go-to open reference for the global paragliding community.
Key Features
- Interactive Global Map: Fullscreen, mobile-friendly map showing all paragliding sites, clubs, and professionals as you pan and zoom across the world.
- Detailed Site Listings: Each site includes takeoff and landing zones, alternate landings, parking areas, GPS coordinates, and community-uploaded photos.
- Community Editing: Registered users can add new sites, edit existing entries, and keep the database current with the latest on-the-ground information.
- GPX Export: Export all sites visible in the current map viewport as a GPX file for use with GPS devices and flight instruments.
- Public API: A developer-accessible API allows third-party apps and tools to query and integrate paragliding site data programmatically.
Use Cases
- Pilots planning a paragliding trip abroad can browse the interactive map to discover legal takeoff and landing sites near their destination.
- Local paragliding clubs can add and maintain accurate site listings for their region to help visiting pilots find the best flying spots.
- Developers building free-flight or outdoor adventure apps can integrate global paragliding site data via the public API.
- Pilots can export GPX waypoints for all sites in a region directly into their GPS devices or variometers before a cross-country flight.
- New paragliding students can explore nearby sites, view photos, and find local clubs and certified instructors listed on the platform.
Pros
- Completely Free & Open Source: No cost to use and the source code is publicly available on Framagit, enabling community contributions and full transparency.
- Global Coverage: Community-maintained data spans paragliding sites worldwide, making it useful for pilots planning trips in any country.
- Privacy-Respecting: No Google or Facebook tracking scripts, and minimal cookie usage — your browsing stays private.
- GPX & API Integration: Supports GPX exports and a public API, making it easy to use site data in GPS devices and third-party applications.
Cons
- Data Accuracy Not Guaranteed: As a community-sourced database, site information may be outdated, incomplete, or incorrect — always verify with local clubs or authorities.
- Limited Search Filters: Advanced filtering options for sites are not yet available, making it harder to narrow results by specific criteria.
- Login Required for Every Session: To minimize cookies, the platform does not persist login sessions, requiring users to log in each time they visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paragliding Earth free to use?
Yes, Paragliding Earth is completely free to use. It is an open-source, community-driven project with no subscription or paid tiers.
Can I add or edit paragliding sites on the platform?
Yes. After registering for a free account and logging in, you can add new sites, edit existing site details, upload photos, and help keep the database up to date.
How do I export site data to my GPS device?
Navigate the map to the area of interest and use the GPX export feature to download all visible sites as a GPX file, which can be loaded into most GPS devices and flight computers.
Is there an API available for developers?
Yes, Paragliding Earth provides a public API that developers can use to query site data and integrate it into third-party applications or tools.
Can I trust the site information for flight planning?
The data is for informational and planning purposes only. Always verify site details with local pilots, clubs, or authorities and check current weather and legal conditions before flying.
