3D replay
How to read the 3D replay of a paragliding flight
July 11, 2026
Rewatching a flight in 3D is not a reward: it is the fastest way to understand what actually happened in the air. Here is how to read the scene.
What does the 3D replay actually show?
The replay rebuilds the flight on real terrain: the track is coloured by altitude, the trail shows direction, the camera follows the flight like a video. It is not an "artistic" animation: every point comes from your IGC file, with real times and altitudes.
On RSFly.app every uploaded flight includes the Standard 2.5D Replay; Plus adds the cinematic 3D Replay on real terrain, including on mobile.
How do you spot a climb in the replay?
When the track colour shifts toward higher altitudes and the trajectory tightens into circles, you are looking at a climb. The shape of the circles says a lot: regular, centred circles mean a climb used well; circles that "escape" downwind tell of a climb lost and regained.
Comparing two climbs from the same flight is the simplest way to see where you worked best.
What should you look at to improve the next flight?
The replay does not judge: it shows. The conclusions remain yours.
- Transitions: how much altitude you lose between climbs and how fast you travel.
- Decision points: where you left a line that was working.
- Climb consistency: how regular your circles stay from the start to the end of the thermal.
In short
- Every point in the 3D scene comes from the real IGC file: altitudes, times and trajectory are not artistic reconstructions.
- Regular circles = a climb used well; circles drifting downwind = a climb worth reviewing.
- Watch transitions, decision points and climb consistency: that is where progress hides.