About
ParaglidingSpots is a comprehensive, community-driven database of paragliding flying sites covering locations worldwide. Originally built as a KMZ/KML file for use with Google Earth, it has grown into a multi-platform resource that includes an online interactive version, POI exports for GPS navigation devices like TomTom and Garmin, and integration with XCSoar flight software. The database (currently version 2.17 as of January 2026) catalogs thousands of launch and landing zones across every continent, with regular large-scale updates targeting specific countries and regions. The online version enhances usability with powerful filtering options — pilots can search sites by wind orientation, quality rating, or geographic area, and jump directly to any spot with a single click. ParaglidingSpots is ideal for recreational and competitive paraglider pilots planning cross-country flights or traveling to new destinations. It serves as an indispensable pre-flight research tool, helping pilots identify legal, safe, and well-rated flying sites before arriving at an unfamiliar location. The project is free to use and relies on community feedback for ongoing accuracy and expansion, making it both a practical utility and a collaborative knowledge base for the global paragliding community.
Key Features
- Google Earth KMZ Database: Download the full international flying sites database as a KMZ/KML file compatible with Google Earth for offline browsing of launch and landing zones worldwide.
- Interactive Online Map: Browse takeoffs and landing zones via an online version with filtering by wind orientation, quality rating, and location, plus direct navigation to each spot.
- GPS Device Export: Export POI/placemark files formatted for TomTom and Garmin navigation devices so pilots can use flying site data during travel or in the air.
- XCSoar Integration: Compatible data exports for XCSoar flight analysis software, enabling in-flight navigation with the paragliding spots database.
- Regular Regional Updates: The database receives frequent large-scale updates for specific countries and regions, with community feedback driving corrections and new additions.
Use Cases
- A paragliding pilot planning a trip abroad uses ParaglidingSpots to identify rated launch and landing zones in an unfamiliar country before departure.
- A cross-country pilot downloads the KMZ file to Google Earth to pre-plan a route, visualizing all possible landing fields along the intended flight path.
- A paragliding instructor searches the online version for beginner-suitable sites filtered by low-wind orientation and high community ratings near a training location.
- A traveling pilot exports POI data to their Garmin GPS device so they have all known landing zones accessible for in-flight navigation.
- A local paragliding club submits corrections and new site data to help keep the community database accurate for their region.
Pros
- Completely Free: All database downloads and the online version are available at no cost, making it accessible to pilots at any level.
- Broad Global Coverage: Covers paragliding sites across every continent with frequent region-specific updates, ensuring up-to-date and extensive worldwide data.
- Multi-Platform Support: Works with Google Earth, the web browser, XCSoar, TomTom, and Garmin devices, fitting seamlessly into a pilot's existing toolkit.
Cons
- Not AI-Powered: The tool relies on community-submitted and manually curated data rather than automated AI discovery or real-time updates.
- Niche Audience: Designed exclusively for paragliding pilots, limiting its utility to a very specific user base.
- No Real-Time Weather Integration: The database provides site locations and ratings but does not include live weather, wind, or flight condition data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ParaglidingSpots?
ParaglidingSpots is a worldwide database of paragliding takeoff and landing zones, available as a free KMZ download for Google Earth and as an interactive online search tool.
How do I use the database with Google Earth?
Download the KMZ file from paraglidingspots.com and open it in Google Earth. All launch and landing sites will appear as placemarks you can browse and click for details.
Is ParaglidingSpots free to use?
Yes, both the downloadable KMZ database and the online version are completely free to use.
Can I use the data on my GPS device?
Yes, ParaglidingSpots provides POI/placemark export files compatible with TomTom and Garmin navigation devices, as well as data for XCSoar flight software.
How often is the database updated?
The database is updated regularly, typically several times per year, with large-scale updates focused on specific countries or regions. The latest version is 2.17, released in January 2026.
