Use Google Groups search capability on RAS using 'thermal mapping"

One:
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...1dcb beb2dc80

You can certainly get igc files more readily today, but if you get
enough of them you may find *everywhere* is a good place for a thermal
to exist. And would you really use a database of potentials while in
the cockpit? or would you more likely tend to look around above and
below your position for the usual clues rather than aim towards a spot
in space that ranks high in the database?

Instead map all the gravel pits (by the way we need lots MORE of these
around!!), huge parking lots, industrial heat generators like auto
plants, etc. and then ask cross country pilots where they have their
favourite 'hot spots'.. then be prepared to change the list each year
as crops and conditions change.

But it's along winter ahead, and if it looks interesting to you keep
going!

Best regards,
Bob





Chris Davison wrote:
Does anyone have any experience or interest in mapping
thermals, finding hotspots etc, via software like Winpilot.
My first attempt, based on 600 igc files (!) has revealed
there are a lot of thermals out there...but I'm struggling
to derive any information from the data. What I'd
like to end up with is a 'probability map' that shows
the areas that have historically generated thermals
on multiple days...as opposed to sources of a single
thermal that have attracted multiple gliders (i.e.
a huge gaggle). I'm sure there must be folks out there
who have done more on this? I can't find a user group
that already focuses on this, so I've just started
one:



But if there is already an existing group, please let
me know and I'll join that!

Cheers
Chris