Watch video Sign Up for a Free Trial Global Lightning Dataset GLD360 Vaisala Global Lightning Dataset GLD360 is data as a service that provides real-time lightning data for accurate and early detection and tracking of severe weather. The data provided is generated by a Vaisala owned and operated world-wide lightning detection sensor network. Instantly detect lightning and convective activity anywhere over land and sea. Delivered as a dedicated data stream – no investment in hardware is necessary. Vaisala Global Lightning Dataset GLD360 is a service that provides real-time lightning data for accurate, early detection and tracking of severe weather. GLD360 offers unbeatable long-range coverage and location accuracy. Detect thunderstorms outside the range of radars or satellites, track the trajectory and the intensity of the lightning discharges, and use the data to create severe weather warnings. Technical Specifications Lightning Data Information The GLD360™ dataset product includes delivery of global lightning data. The lightning data includes cloud-to-ground stroke information, cloud-to-ground flash information and survey level cloud lightning information. The lightning data file includes the following information (as a minimum): Date and Time (UTC with milliseconds accuracy) Latitude and Longitude (location) Peak amplitude (kA) Polarity (+/-) Lightning Data Format The GLD360™ data can be provided in various formats, including but not limited to the following: ASCII Binary (proprietary Type 97) XML Others as requested such as KML Lightning Data Delivery The GLD360™ data can be delivered in real-time (less than 60 seconds latency), near real-time (>2 minute bins) or in archive format (>24 hours). The delivery mechanism is via satellite in North America, secure shell Ethernet/internet (TCP/IP) or FTP. The GLD360™ Network Specifications Current flash detection efficiency greater than 80% in most areas of the Northern hemisphere and between 10-80% in the Southern hemispheres, with the lower efficiencies in latitudes south of 42 degrees South. This is the best available for any worldwide VLF/LF long range network. Median location accuracy of 1.5 to 2.5 km Thunderstorm detection efficiency better than 99% Network uptimes above 99% Data feed uptimes of better than 99% Event timing precision of 1 microsecond RMS Peak amplitude measurements Polarity Features Best accuracy: Outperforms all other long-range lightning detection systems. Minimal day/night effect Detect virtually all thunderstorms over land and oceans, mountains and deserts, forests and plains + Show more Key Benefits Detect lightning as it happens, anywhere GLD360 is the first truly global and accurate, real-time lightning coverage network. There are no data gaps - unlike satellites or radars. Lightning data delivered as a service No capital expenditure, no equipment, no maintenance needed. Deliverable in a few days Begin receiving data within a week and quickly provide better end-user service. Downloads Datasheet: GLD360 Datasheet (151.76 KB) Application Note: GLD360 Enables Quality Lightning Warnings for Any Airport Around the Globe (300.74 KB) Brochure: Vaisala Met-Ocean System Components / FOR CRITICAL WEATHER CONDITIONS (1.63 MB) Brochure: GLD360 Brochure (441.42 KB) Scientific Paper: Validation of Vaisala’s global lightning dataset (GLD360) over the continental United States (915.63 KB) Scientific Paper: GLD360 airport lightning warnings (122.25 KB) Scientific Paper: Validation of the new GLD360 dataset in brazil: First results (240.25 KB) White Paper: Advanced lightning warning systems are now available worldwide (3.29 MB) White Paper: Flash of Inspiration - Latest Innovations in Worldwide Lightning Detection (353.86 KB) All downloads Customer Stories Success Story Hurricane Impact Mitigation Requires Accurate Data The Atlantic hurricane season of 2017 was very active, including a high number of major storms. The better hurricanes can be forecast, the... Read more Success Story Increased Early Warning Capability for Severe Weather Conditions Weather can have a tremendous impact on a society. This is especially true for tropical areas that are prone to hurricanes and other severe... Read more Success Story Lightning Casualties in the Developing World There is a major difference between lightning deaths and injuries in the developing world compared with more developed countries. In the U.S... Read more Success Story Vaisala’s weather radars in Colombia Vaisala’s weather radars and global lightning data help increase awareness of severe weather in Colombia and along its oceanic routes. Colombia... Read more Events Need support? Sign up for news Contact us
Success Story Hurricane Impact Mitigation Requires Accurate Data The Atlantic hurricane season of 2017 was very active, including a high number of major storms. The better hurricanes can be forecast, the... Read more
Success Story Increased Early Warning Capability for Severe Weather Conditions Weather can have a tremendous impact on a society. This is especially true for tropical areas that are prone to hurricanes and other severe... Read more
Success Story Lightning Casualties in the Developing World There is a major difference between lightning deaths and injuries in the developing world compared with more developed countries. In the U.S... Read more
Success Story Vaisala’s weather radars in Colombia Vaisala’s weather radars and global lightning data help increase awareness of severe weather in Colombia and along its oceanic routes. Colombia... Read more
