Earth Networks Developing Enhanced GLM Lightning Detection
- Jan 08, 2018
Addition of Earth Networks ground-based network to significantly improve location accuracy of new GLM satellite-based lightning detection data
Austin, TX — Earth Networks today announced the development of a new lightning detection product derived from Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN) and the GOES-East Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM). The announcement was made at the 98th Meeting of the American Meteorological Society in Austin, Texas.
The GLM is the first lightning detector in a geostationary orbit transmitting lightning flashes in the Western Hemisphere. Earth Networks’ upcoming product adds significant value to lightning data from the GLM by augmenting it with detection data and diagnostics from Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN), such as classification, amplitude, polarity and location accuracy. This enhancement to GLM data will improve the GLM’s native location accuracy by 20 to 40 times. With ENTLN detecting >95% of cloud-to-ground lightning seen by the GLM, this high-resolution accuracy will be crucial in situations where locating lightning strikes with greater precision is required.
“The deployment of GLM last year represents a major advancement in space-based optical lightning detection,” said Michael Stock, Principal Lightning Scientist at Earth Networks. “Together with our ground-based network we can improve the data from GLM, by enriching it with important information for users, such as whether the strike was in-cloud or cloud-to-ground, identifying amplitude and pinpointing its location to within 200 meters.”
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. The ENTLN includes more than 1,500 ground-based sensors that incorporate patented systems and technology to provide unmatched lightning detection network performance. Earth Networks provides total lightning data from ENTLN to many federal agencies including NOAA, NASA and DOT 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 advanced severe weather alerts for real-time monitoring and notification to enterprises and organizations.
The newly developed lightning detection product is expected to be available to customers in the second quarter of 2018. Earth Networks is committed to the advancement of lightning detection technologies which save lives, reduce property damage, provide better indicators of incoming severe weather and offer weather intelligence to enterprise customers.
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. Enterprises and 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:
Anna Porteus
+1 301-250-4156
aporteus@earthnetworks.com
