Vaisala Inc provides CG lightning data for all of CONUS at very high locational accuracy and detection efficiency as well as lightning stroke information for OCONUS via a sophisticated VLF network of sensors that can pick up lightning activity over large distances. ENI has a nationwide collection of LDS that are wideband and can pick up both CG and IC lightning (total lightning).
ENI: The Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN) incorporates advanced lightning location technology delivering competitive lightning detection efficiency and location accuracy. ENTLN can detect both in-cloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning. It consists of over 1600 wideband sensors deployed in 40+ countries to detect lightning and generate faster-localized storm alerts. Since its initial deployment, several improvements were made over the years to enhance its performance and usability. Notable ones are the addition of many new sensors each year to improve detection efficiency and extend lightning detection coverage to any regions of the world. Firmware improvements have also been made to further increase sensitivity, and the implementation of a multi-parameter classification algorithm allows IC and CG pulses to be distinguished with very good accuracy. A performance study was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of the ENTLN. The results of the study show that the detection efficiency and the classification accuracy of the new ENTLN processor have greatly improved. ENTLN data is used to track the properties of storms cells, such as the lightning flash rate, cell direction, and speed as a basis for issuing alerts for thunderstorms that have the potential for severe weather. Most severe convective storms can generate high IC flash rate and high IC/CG flash-rate ratios. When rates exceed critical thresholds, Dangerous Thunderstorm Alerts (DTAs) are issued. Through the life of the DTA warned storm, the storm cells are monitored continuously, which enhances the situational awareness. In this study, we analyze several severe weather events to estimate the effectiveness of DTAs as well as implications for improving public safety.
Vaisala: The National Lightning Detection Network, NLDN, consists of over 100 remote, ground-based sensing stations located across the United States that instantaneously detect the electromagnetic signals given off when lightning strikes the earth's surface. These remote sensors send the raw data via a satellite-based communications network to the Network Control Center (NCC) operated by Vaisala Inc. in Tucson, Arizona. Within seconds of a lightning strike, the NCC's central analyzers process information on the location, time, polarity, and communicated to users across the country.
The Vaisala Global Lightning Dataset 360 (GLD360) is a long range lightning detection network developed and operated by Vaisala, Inc. The network’s ground-based sensors detect the VLF radio waves emitted by lightning [17]. The network determines the distance of propagation and time of arrival by correlating the shape of the received waveform with those contained in the sensor’s bank of expected waveforms [17]. Each sensor has its own bank of predetermined waveforms, which are catalogued by day/night profile and distance. Lightning discharges primarily are located using the arrival time, but also using a combination of arrival azimuth angle, estimated range, and estimated amplitude [17]. Since CG lightning emits more strongly in the VLF range than IC lightning [18], the GLD360 detects primarily CG lightning. The network also detects some strong IC pulses, but does not distinguish between CG and IC.
