Historical Global Lightning Database from DMSP Satellite Film

Monthly HDF data files provide a digitized record of global lightning signatures identified as streaks on filmstrip imagery from the DMSP Operational Linescan System. The dataset covers specific months across a 19-year period from 1973 to 1991, compiled by the GHRC DAAC. This archive represents an early satellite-based effort to catalog lightning activity.

Use Cases

• Analyzing the spatial distribution of lightning events using digitized geographic coordinates.
• Studying seasonal and interannual variability in global lightning activity across the 1973-1991 period.
• Validating modern lightning detection algorithms against historical satellite observations.
• Investigating correlations between historical lightning streaks and concurrent meteorological conditions.

Strengths

• Covers a 19-year period from 1973 to 1991, providing a multi-decade historical baseline.
• Data is derived from direct visual analysis and digitization of satellite film imagery.
• Available on multiple authoritative platforms (NASA Earthdata and Data.gov), indicating established provenance.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and column names are not provided by any source, limiting precise assessment.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date (1991 vs. 2026), suggesting metadata inconsistency.
• Data availability is discontinuous, with only specific months provided within the overall time range.

Provenance

Source

Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Operational Linescan System (OLS), processed by GHRC_DAAC.

Collection Method

Lightning signatures were visually analyzed as horizontal streaks on filmstrip imagery and their locations were subsequently digitized.

Time Range

1973 to 1991 (specific months: June-July 1973; Sept-Dec 1977; Jan-Aug 1978; Jan-Dec 1986; Jan-Oct 1987; Dec 1988; Jan-Dec 1990; Jan-Dec 1991).

Freshness

2026-03-12 22:47:52.352767

Geography

Global