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August 9, 2006
Homemade Network of Real-time Lightning Data - See it in Google Earth
All it takes is a directional lightning detector, a PC, and an Internet connection. Then you can contribute to a sensor net showing real-time lightning strikes through Blitzortung.org. The focus of this sensor net is Europe. The web site shows maps of the data, or you can download a Google Earth network link 
showng the strike data which updates every minute. The colors of the dots seen here represent the age of the strikes (white was within 10 minutes, dark red is 60 minutes). Unfortunately, the GE file doesn't have the legend explaining the colors yet. They have other map formats (a density map for example) which hopefully they will provide in their GE network link as well. Read Blitzortung's About page for detals (available in German, English or French).
There have been other sensor nets shown in Google Earth. But, lightning data is particularly dynamic. And, this is the first time I've seen a real-time sensor net based on homemade equipment. I hope some folks start this up in the US too. I might even set one up myself! via OgleEarth.
Other sensor nets for Google Earth:
- Real-time Stream Flow Sensor Net in Google Earth
- Near Real-time Ocean/Weather Data
- Sensor Nets and the James Reserve Sensor Net
Posted by FrankTaylor at August 9, 2006 7:10 AM
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Comments
Posted by: TheBassman at January 4, 2008 12:05 AM
I am very interested in lightning strike data and tracking. Is there a USA nationwide strike data map, like unto or better than the Europe system?
I was born in Vernal, UT. Raised in Cedar City, UT and raised my family in Kaysville, UT. Now, I'm in Sterling Heights, MI doing reliability engineering. Thanks for the help.
Howard Cooper
www.amemco.net
Posted by: Howard Cooper at June 3, 2008 8:22 PM
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I have set up one of these stations in Salt Lake City, Utah, and am actively seeking interested lightning seekers. The DIY system is a fun, and educational project.
Email me if you would like more information.