How does the network pinpoint lightning ?
The network works continuously and in real time, i.e. it is constantly scanning electromagnetic field variations created by lightning. As soon as a radio frequency signature from an atmospheric discharge is detected by the sensors, the corresponding measurements are transmitted to two independent and redundant calculators, which will accurately pinpoint the discharge via a combination of triangulation and time-difference-of arrival techniques.
Some additional features are also calculated, such as the dating, polarity and peak intensity of the current, as well as the type of cloud-to-ground or intra-cloud discharge.
How does the detection network perform ?
Vaisala technology, currently regarded as among the best in the world, enables us to attain performance levels confirmed by numerous studies and scientific papers.
Performances in Western Europe confirmed by science demonstrated that the network is capable of detecting 98% of cloud-to-ground strikes with a median accuracy of 100 metres.