USPLN/NAPLN
c/o WSI Corporation
400 Minuteman Drive
Andover, MA 01810
email Sales
978.983.6648

Learn more about the United States and North American Precision Lightning Networks.

• What are the USPLN, NAPLN, and GLN and how do they differ?
• What are the performance metrics for each network?
• How much does lightning data cost?
• How is the data delivered and in what format?
• Are there archives of past lightning events available for viewing or download?
• How large are the lightning data files?

What are the USPLN and NAPLN and how do they differ?

The USPLN (United States Precision Lightning Network) was launched in 2004 and consists of about 100 lightning stroke detection sensors placed throughout the continental United States, along with the data processing and distribution system. The baselines for the sensors is 150 to 300 miles, forming a very dense network throughout the 48 states. This is the original network that has been providing data to customers for years.

Since 2007, the USPLN has been extended with additional sensors outside of the continental United States to form the North American Precision Lightning Network (NAPLN). Therefore, the USPLN is now a subset of the NAPLN coverage area. The NAPLN includes over 60 new sensors throughout Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America, increasing the geographic extent of coverage, with additional sensors planned. Most recently, the NAPLN Canadian coverage was enhanced with the addition of The Weather Network's lightning sensors. Distances between NAPLN sensors range from approximately 150 to 700 miles.

The Global Lightning Network is a separate network, comprised of over 120 sensors hosted at facilities throughout the world. The density and coverage of these sensors varies, as would be expected, and while the efficiency and accuracy metrics are highest in the Americas, Europe and Asia/Australia, we continue to expand the network with additional sensors. We welcome inquiries from interested potential site locations. A composite feed of the NAPLN and the GLN has been created to ensure the highest quality data set no matter where are customers are located.

What are the performance metrics for each network?

Location accuracy and detection efficiency metrics for the USPLN are < 250 meters (mean) and > 95%, respectively. This covers the continental US and approximately 300 miles offshore.

Areas of 95% detection efficiency extend into most of the provinces of Canada for the NAPLN. Location accuracy is at least 250 meters (mean) throughout Canada, the Gulf, offshore Atlantic and into Mexico.

Sensor density, and hence metrics, are variable within the GLN. Detection efficiency ranges from 20% to 90% depending on geography. The key deployment areas (North/South America, Europe, Asia and Australia) have the highest metrics whereas oceanic regions are considerably less. With the addition of global sensors over the next year, overall performance will continue to increase.

For specific details regarding metrics for a region of interest, email Sales.

How much does lightning data cost?

Pricing of lightning data depends on a number of factors, including: the size and location of the geographic area of interest (square miles/kilometers), latency and update rate (e.g., real-time data feed vs. 5 minute update rate), delivered data format (e.g., binary stream, text or XML files, graphics), ability to archive files, and more.

Therefore, requests for pricing are handled individually to ensure the most accurate match to requirements. For pricing information or a quotation, email Sales. Please include as much of the above detail as possible.

How is the data delivered and in what format?

Refer to Lightning Data Products and Services for the best description of the various data delivery and format types. Formats and delivery are the same for all lightning networks.

Are there archives of past lightning events available for viewing or download?

Archives of past USPLN lightning data are available from late 2004 to current day. Data can be obtained as text files or graphics for any size area or length of time. NAPLN data outside of the continental US and GLN data have been archived since late 2008.

For more information or a quotation, email Sales.

How large are the lightning data files?

File size obviously depends on the geographic area and time span of interest, amount of lightning activity, data parameters included, and file format. For instance, a comma separated variable (.csv) file of CONUS for one week in August is over 150 MB. The comparable file for a week in February is approximately 80 MB. Files covering most of Florida (25N to 30N, 80W to 83.7W) are 13 MB and 8 KB for August and February respectively. A 40 mi x 40 mi area with moderate level activity is approximately 50 KB.