Washington D.C. Lightning Mapping Array Data for GOES-R Validation

This dataset provides a three-dimensional map of total lightning activity from the Washington D.C. Lightning Mapping Array network. It was collected by the GHRC DAAC during the GOES-R Post Launch Test airborne science field campaign to validate satellite instruments. Data covers an eight-week period from April 6, 2017, through June 1, 2017.

Use Cases

• Validating the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument on the GOES-R satellite.
• Analyzing the three-dimensional spatial structure of lightning discharges.
• Studying total lightning activity (intra-cloud and cloud-to-ground) over the Washington D.C. region.
• Correlating lightning source locations with arrival time data from multiple ground stations.

Strengths

• Data is specifically collected for post-launch validation of the Advanced Baseline Imager and Geostationary Lightning Mapper.
• Provides three-dimensional source location for lightning discharges, not just 2D detection.
• Covers a defined eight-week campaign period for focused analysis.

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date (2026-03-13 vs. 2017-06-01).
• Data format is limited to compressed ASCII files.

Provenance

Source

GHRC_DAAC

Collection Method

Measured from the Washington D.C. LMA (DCLMA) network using arrival time of radiation from lightning discharges at multiple stations.

Time Range

April 6, 2017 to June 1, 2017

Freshness

2026-03-13 01:48:15.101936

Geography

Washington D.C. region