GOES-R Lightning Mapping Array Data for Post-Launch Validation

March 1, 2017 through June 1, 2017 total lightning data was measured by the Kennedy Space Center Lightning Mapping Array (KSCLMA) network during the GOES-R Post Launch Test airborne field campaign. The dataset provides three-dimensional maps of lightning activity, generated by measuring radiation arrival times from discharges across multiple stations. It was collected by the GHRC DAAC to support validation of the Advanced Baseline Imager and Geostationary Lightning Mapper instruments.

Use Cases

• Validating Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) satellite observations by comparing with ground-based three-dimensional source locations.
• Analyzing the spatial and temporal structure of total lightning activity during specific storm events.
• Studying atmospheric electricity and discharge physics using high-resolution radiation source timing data.
• Correlating lightning flash rates and locations with concurrent meteorological data from the field campaign.

Strengths

• Provides three-dimensional geospatial mapping of lightning radiation sources, not just two-dimensional detection.
• Covers a defined 3-month campaign period (March-June 2017) for focused instrument validation.
• Data is hosted on multiple authoritative platforms (NASA Earthdata, Data.gov), indicating recognized importance.

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are not provided by any source, limiting precise technical assessment.
• Conflicting license information exists: one source lists 'other-license-specified', while another lists 'None'.
• Data format is listed as compressed ASCII, but available file formats include BIN, ISO, HTML, PDF, suggesting ancillary documents are included.

Provenance

Source

GHRC DAAC (Global Hydrology Resource Center Distributed Active Archive Center)

Collection Method

Measured by the ground-based Kennedy Space Center Lightning Mapping Array (KSCLMA) network, which locates radiation sources from lightning discharges.

Time Range

March 1, — June 1, 2017

Freshness

2026-03-13 01:48:18.691192

Geography

Kennedy Space Center region, Florida, USA