Approved Vendor
Lightning Data
Overview
The USPLN, NAPLN, and GLN provide full cloud-ground lightning stroke detections and partial cloud flash data. Data can be delivered in real-time (< 1 minute latency), near real-time (1+ minute latency), or archives (> 24 hours) via the Internet in a number of different formats and methods to accommodate the needs of all customers and users. Lightning data files include the following content:
- Date / Time (UTC, to milliseconds)
- Latitude and longitude (decimal degrees)
- Peak amplitude of event with signal polarity (kAmps shown below, +/- ground stroke)
- Error ellipse major/minor axes (km); orientation of major axis (degrees)
2008-10-31T16:51:45.104,14.1817109,-79.385623,-23.8,0.25,0.25,72
2008-10-31T16:51:45.189,14.1789189,-79.3666115,-23.0,0.25,0.25,72
2008-10-31T16:51:45.445,14.1836477,-79.3486379,-20.8,0.5,0.25,31
2008-10-31T16:51:45.680,36.4215321,-93.4645816,-11.8,0.5,0.25,-79
2008-10-31T16:51:45.695,36.4334455,-93.5041441,-16.7,0.5,0.25,-78
2008-10-31T16:51:53.199,37.5621416,-92.6588922,0.0,0.5,0.25,-21
In addition to cloud-ground stroke data, cloud flashes (cloud-to-cloud/intra-cloud/cloud-to-air) are also reported. These events include the parameters listed above, and are identified by a 0.0 value for Peak amplitude.
2008-10-31T16:51:45.189,14.1789189,-79.3666115,-23.0,0.25,0.25,72
2008-10-31T16:51:45.445,14.1836477,-79.3486379,-20.8,0.5,0.25,31
2008-10-31T16:51:45.680,36.4215321,-93.4645816,-11.8,0.5,0.25,-79
2008-10-31T16:51:45.695,36.4334455,-93.5041441,-16.7,0.5,0.25,-78
2008-10-31T16:51:53.199,37.5621416,-92.6588922,0.0,0.5,0.25,-21
In addition to cloud-ground stroke data, cloud flashes (cloud-to-cloud/intra-cloud/cloud-to-air) are also reported. These events include the parameters listed above, and are identified by a 0.0 value for Peak amplitude.
Coverage Area
Real- and near real-time data can be delivered for almost any size area, from 25-mile radius areas to complete regional coverages, such as the US, Canada, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, etc. Lightning Verification Reports utilizing archival USPLN data are available for a 1 to 15-mile radius coverage. Larger archival data sets can be generated to full CONUS coverage. The Global Lightning Network provides lightning coverage outside of North America.
Licensing
Lightning data is available in a number of flexible licensing arrangements, including single-user, additional user, site-wide, multi-user workstation, or enterprise-wide usage. The ability to archive real-time lightning data as part of an ongoing subscription data service is considered a premium licensing service.
Data from the USPLN, NAPLN, and GLN are delivered seamlessely via Internet delivery mechanisms, including direct socket connection, HTTP, or FTP. Very little is required in terms of set up, making the information readily and easily accessible. In addition, the lightning data comes in a variety of formats and latencies, suitable for every application and usage. For more information about special coverages and unique formatting requirements, email Sales. We will develop data sets to specification.
Real-Time Binary Streaming via Internet
Format
Proprietary binary format streaming in real-time
(approximately 20-30 second latency from detection to user display)
(approximately 20-30 second latency from detection to user display)
Coverage
Full network coverage areas or customer-defined subsets
Delivery
Direct socket connection to lightning stroke servers
Requirements
Customer-developed software to ingest and display data (data interface document available from WSI) or MIDS
Local Data Manager
Format
CSV, KML, XML; 1-min, 5-min, 15-min updated files; Shapefile; 5-min, 15-min; Static images; 10-min +(custom graphics based on requirements)
Coverage
Full network coverage areas or customer-defined subsets
Delivery
Direct connection to LDM servers
Requirements
UNIX/LINUX server with static IP and LDM software (open source)
Web-Based
Format
CSV, KML, XML, Shapefile; 5-min, 15-min updated files
Static images; 10-min +(custom graphics based on requirements)
Static images; 10-min +(custom graphics based on requirements)
Coverage
Full network coverage areas or customer-defined subsets
Delivery
Retrieve from web services
FTP to client machine (upon customer request)
FTP to client machine (upon customer request)
Format
Streaming customized KML
Coverage
Full network coverage areas or customer-defined subsets
Delivery
Direct connection to web Google Earth servers
Requirements
Google Earth (publicly available)
Historical Archives
Format
Formatted verification reports (PDF and CSV), CSV, KML, XML, Shapefile
Coverage
Complete USPLN coverage or customer-defined subset, expanding internationally
Delivery
Online service, email, web
For more information
Refer to the Archive Lightning page
Binary Satellite Feed
Format
Proprietary binary format, real-time
(< 1 minute latency from detection to user display)
(< 1 minute latency from detection to user display)
Coverage
Full network coverage areas or customer-defined subsets
Delivery
High capacity satellite receiver
Requirements
WSI Weather Workstation software or customer capabilities to ingest and display data (data interface document available from WSI, different than Internet)