What is Variograph? Frequently asked questions

Variograph is a web-based flight analysis platform for paraglider and hang glider pilots. This page answers the questions we get most often; every answer says what the code does today, not more.

What is Variograph?

Upload an IGC or GPX track; the platform computes thermals, glides, safety events, net vario, a wind profile and a data-quality grade, then replays the flight over 3D terrain. Flights accumulate on your dashboard, browsable by launch area, taggable, comparable.

Which file formats?

IGC and GPX. IGC is the FAI standard and preferred for full analysis — it carries barometric altitude, GPS altitude and a signature (G-record). GPX has none of these, so some metrics stay empty. Details: What is an IGC file?

Is it free?

• Free: 50 flights per month, all core analysis and STL viewing; printing exports are Pro-only.
• Pro: unlimited flights, unlimited 3D exports, colour 3MF print file, AI debrief.

Limits are enforced on the server; the counters in the UI read the same table.

Which devices and apps?

Anything that produces an IGC: XCTrack, Flymaster, Skytraxx, Naviter, FlySkyHy and the like. Download from the device or an archive such as XContest, then upload. Comparisons with other apps: XCTrack, FlySkyHy, FlyMe, LK8000.

What is the AI debrief?

A written debrief for Pro members that references specific moments on the timeline ("in the thermal at 14:12…"). It sits on top of the computed metrics; it does not measure anything itself. Outside places where a real model runs, such as thermal detection, we do not use the word "AI" — threshold-based features are named by their function.

Can I 3D print my flight?

Yes. The 3D Print page produces a slicer-ready STL of the route on a terrain model with support struts planned; Pro adds a colour-separated 3MF by elevation band. Step by step: 3D print your flight track.

Who sees my data?

Flights belong to your account. Joining the anonymous statistics pool is a separate, optional consent; declining changes nothing else. The pool receives grid cells with the first and last 90 seconds trimmed — never a raw track.

Languages?

Interface and blog in Turkish, English and Spanish.

Mobile app?

Variograph runs in the browser, phones included. An iOS flight-computer app is in development and not yet released — it will be announced on updates.

Anything for flight schools?

An education module: school, instructor and student relationships, curriculum, terms and progress records. The rule: the flight belongs to the pilot; the training relationship belongs to the school. Get in touch for details.