F
About
Thermal.kk7 is a specialized geospatial analytics platform for paragliding enthusiasts that transforms aggregated flight data into actionable thermal probability maps. By processing cross-country (XC) flight logs uploaded to platforms like XContest, the tool calculates where thermal updrafts are most likely to occur based on real-world flight patterns and terrain topology. The platform offers several interactive map layers: Skyways (stacked valid flights), Certainty (data confidence areas), Thermals (updraft probability heat maps), and Hotspots (high-probability centers compatible with many flight computers). A powerful TimeFilter lets pilots narrow results by season (quarterly with monthly overlap) and time of day relative to sunrise. At the core of the system is the concept of 'thermal trigger points' — theoretical surface spots where heated air parcels detach from the ground. These remain largely consistent regardless of daily weather, making them reliable planning references even when conditions vary. The tool minimizes wind bias by reducing thermals to their trigger points. Map quality improves with flight density in a given area; sparse regions are kept transparent to reduce noise. Thermal.kk7 also exposes a developer API, enabling integration into flight computers, planning apps, and third-party tools. It is free to use and community-supported, making it an invaluable resource for pilots exploring new flying sites or analyzing past flights in 3D for tactical improvement.
Key Features
- Thermal Probability Maps: Heat maps derived from thousands of real XC flight logs showing the statistical likelihood of finding usable thermal updraft at any location.
- Thermal Trigger Points: Identifies consistent surface spots where heated air detaches from the ground, remaining reliable across varying daily weather conditions.
- TimeFilter by Season & Time of Day: Filter all map layers to a specific quarter of the year and time elapsed since sunrise to get contextually relevant thermal data.
- Hotspot Layer for Flight Computers: Exports centers of high thermal probability in a format compatible with many GPS flight computers for in-flight navigation.
- Developer API: A public API allows developers and hardware manufacturers to integrate thermal map data into third-party apps and flight planning tools.
Use Cases
- A paraglider visiting an unfamiliar flying site uses Thermal.kk7 to identify where the first thermal is most likely to be found, reducing the risk of landing out.
- A flight school instructor uses the thermal probability maps to teach students about terrain-driven lift and help them understand trigger points before their first solo XC flights.
- A developer building a paragliding flight planning app integrates Thermal.kk7's API to display thermal hotspot overlays alongside weather forecast data.
- An experienced pilot reviews a completed flight in 3D alongside the thermal maps to analyze tactical decisions and identify missed opportunities for better climbs.
- A competition paraglider uses the TimeFilter feature to study thermal patterns specific to mid-morning hours in summer for an upcoming race task.
Pros
- Completely Free: The platform is free to access and community-supported, removing any barrier to entry for paragliders worldwide.
- Worldwide Coverage: Thermal predictions are available globally wherever sufficient flight data exists, making it useful for international flying trips.
- Developer-Friendly API: An open API enables integration into flight computers, apps, and planning workflows for technically inclined pilots and developers.
Cons
- Quality Depends on Flight Density: In areas with few uploaded flights — such as remote regions or flatlands — predictions are sparse and less reliable.
- Overrated Thermals Near Launch Sites: Thermals close to popular launch pads tend to appear artificially stronger because pilots often upload flights only when they catch their first thermal there.
- Not a Real-Time Weather Tool: The maps reflect historical patterns rather than live conditions; pilots must still consult weather forecasts for safe flying decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What data does Thermal.kk7 use to generate thermal maps?
Thermal.kk7 aggregates cross-country (XC) paragliding flight logs from platforms like XContest. Only flights above a minimum distance threshold are used, and soaring flights are filtered out to focus purely on thermal activity.
How accurate are the thermal predictions?
Accuracy depends heavily on the number of flights available in a given area. Regions with high flight density and prominent terrain features produce the most reliable maps. Areas with sparse data are displayed as transparent to signal lower confidence.
Can I use Thermal.kk7 on my GPS flight computer?
Yes. The Hotspots layer exports centers of high thermal probability in a format supported by many flight computers, allowing you to reference thermal hotspots during flight.
How can I improve the maps for my local flying area?
Fly more and longer cross-country flights in the area and upload them to XContest or compatible platforms. The model requires a minimum density of around 20 flights per 100m² to produce meaningful predictions.
Is there a developer API available?
Yes. Thermal.kk7 offers a developer API that allows third-party developers to integrate thermal map data into their own applications, flight computers, and planning tools.
