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#1
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Thermal Mapping
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 |
#2
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Thermal Mapping
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 |
#3
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Thermal Mapping
I've only tried this Winpilot feature once, using IGC info from a contest at
Minden, NV. It was a blue day with no thermal clues other than wind direction and ground features. Several times I headed towards the historical thermal location, and each time bumped into a strong thermal patiently waiting for me exactly where it was supposed to be. The Winpilot feature works as it's supposed to. But there's just so darn many great thermals at Minden, and across the high desert east of the Sierra, that there's not much need for technology to find them. (Though if someone sent me the file, I guess I'd use it :c). bumper wrote in message oups.com... 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 |
#4
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Thermal Mapping
Chris,
I am the WinPilot Dealer for the US and have used the Thermal function of WinPilot for many years. I have an extensive thermal database for the Montage area USA (6 years of all my flights and all national and regional contests for this site). I also developed a data base for the Minden area. What I found: WinPilot can show all thermals or limit them by sun time and wind. When you limit make sure the Ipaq time is set correctly. The database is more effective in mountainous areas. I found it effective in Minden and in Montague. Ephrata WA it did not work well. Mostly flat terrrain in agricultural areas in this area. I found it is most useful to find routes to specific turnpoints or areas. Much better to fly in the black areas many thermals than the areas with no thermal history. If you want the thermal database for Montague and Minden please email me. Richard Pfiffner www.craggyaero.com |
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