A Performance Study of Earth Networks Total Lighting Network (ENTLN) and Worldwide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN)

Lightning observations from lightning detection networks are useful for severe weather forecasting. As these networks are constantly expanding and their detection capabilities are improving, it is critical to understand the performance of these networks. However, system performance evaluation is challenging because the true times and locations of lightning flashes are unknown. In this paper, we propose a method to calibrate a network and apply it to study the performance of two lightning detection networks, ENTLN and WWLLN, using observed multi-year's lightning data (2009-2014). The results can help to calibrate WWLLN and estimate its performance when new sensors are added, and to assist scientists in weather forecasts and to conduct reliable storm warning models.