Southern Ontario Lightning Mapping Array Data for GOES-R Validation

April to June 2017 data contains total lightning measurements from the Southern Ontario LMA network during the GOES-R Post Launch Test airborne campaign. The dataset provides three-dimensional maps of lightning activity to support validation of the Advanced Baseline Imager and Geostationary Lightning Mapper instruments. It is produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Use Cases

• Validating Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) satellite observations with ground-based three-dimensional source locations.
• Analyzing the spatial and temporal distribution of total lightning activity over Southern Ontario.
• Studying lightning discharge characteristics using multi-station arrival time measurements.
• Correlating lightning data with other meteorological datasets from the GOES-R Post Launch Test campaign.

Strengths

• Provides a focused two-month time series (April 1 to June 1, 2017) for targeted satellite validation.
• Offers three-dimensional mapping of lightning radiation sources, enabling detailed spatial analysis.
• Data originates from a NASA-organized campaign specifically for post-launch instrument validation.

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and file sizes are not documented on any platform.
• Data format is listed as compressed ASCII, but precise structure and available variables are unknown.
• Conflicting last update dates exist between sources (2017-06-01 on NASA Earthdata vs. 2026-03 13 on Data.gov).

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Measured using the Southern Ontario Lightning Mapping Array network, which locates radiation sources from lightning discharges at multiple stations.

Time Range

April 1, 2017 through June 1, 2017

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:01:13.340838

Geography

Southern Ontario