Earth Networks Advances Lightning Detection Capabilities

Addition of long-range sensors improves network coverage and risk mitigation applications worldwide   

Germantown, MD– December 14, 2016 — Earth Networks today announced the expansion of the Earth Networks Global Lightning Network (ENGLN) with a major upgrade to its long-range global lightning detection capabilities.

The enhanced performance is a result of a continuing partnership with the University of Washington’s World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN). This network enhancement more than quadruples the existing WWLLN network resulting in a global detection efficiency improvement of 230%. Long-range lightning detection is critical for the advanced notification of severe weather phenomena such as cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, heavy rain, high winds, hail and tornadoes.

“This network expansion widens our capacity to detect serious lightning strikes and predict the damaging impacts of thunderstorms worldwide and provide pinpoint accuracy to our customers,” said Rich Spaulding, President and COO of Earth Networks. “The integration of the WWLLN network is one of several initiatives to grow our overall weather sensor network and improve our products to provide enhanced weather security for our customers. We gain weather intelligence with every sensor we add to our network, resulting in applications that mitigate financial, operational and human risk.”

ENGLN is the first and largest total lightning detection network deployed globally. It includes more than 1,200 sensors that incorporate patented systems and technology to provide unmatched lightning detection network performance. The positioning of new sensors complements Earth Networks’ comprehensive lightning detection in remote regions as well as densely populated areas. The average distance between sensing stations is now greatly reduced, making precise lightning detection possible worldwide.

Earth Networks provides total lightning data from ENGLN to many federal agencies including NOAA, NWS and DOD for enhanced forecasting of severe weather and associated protection of life and assets throughout the U.S. and around the globe. The network also powers severe weather alerts for real-time monitoring and notification to enterprises and organizations.

The newly enhanced global lightning detection capability will be useful for validating the recently launched NOAA GOES-R Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM). Both Earth Networks and WWLLN have been part of the pre-launch validation effort by NOAA and NASA. Recent enhancements will further assist in the validation of new space based assets as well as in the development of advanced weather-influenced decision support tools.

About Earth Networks

For over 20 years, we’ve been Taking the Pulse of the Planet® using the world’s largest weather, lightning and greenhouse gas monitoring networks. Our sensors across the planet keep businesses and governments informed, updated and alerted. Our new Whisker Labs division develops next generation energy intelligence technologies that unlock the full potential of a connected home with intelligent diagnostics on unconnected appliances and optimization of connected devices, so customers can enjoy savings and peace of mind. Enterprises such as schools, airports, professional sports teams, utilities, and government agencies rely on our early warning solutions to safeguard lives, prepare for weather events and optimize operations.

Media Contact:

Brian Lustig, Bluetext PR for Earth Networks
+1 202.469.3608
brian@bluetext.com