The Canadian Lightning Detection Network (CLDN).The Canadian Lightning Detection Network (CLDN).

Novel Approaches for Performance Measurement & Novel Approaches for Performance Measurement & Network Management.Network Management.

Meteorological Service of CanadaMeteorological Service of CanadaD. Dockendorff, D. Dockendorff,

dave.dockendorff@ec.gc.cadave.dockendorff@ec.gc.caK.Spring, kelsey.spring@ec.gc.caK.Spring, kelsey.spring@ec.gc.ca

IntroductionIntroduction► This presentation will This presentation will

provide: provide: Some background on the Some background on the

CLDN, CLDN, Describe how the network Describe how the network

is used and managedis used and managed Illustrate some novel Illustrate some novel

approaches to using the approaches to using the Internet for real-time Internet for real-time performance performance measurement of the measurement of the network. network.

►CLDN established in 1998CLDN established in 1998►83 Sensors83 Sensors►Lightning detection coverage for over Lightning detection coverage for over 95% of Canadians.95% of Canadians.

BackgroundBackground

Background (cont’d)Background (cont’d)

► Unique challenges to design, fund, install and operate the CLDN.

Canada GermanySize 10 M km2 357 K km2

Population 32M (2004) 82M (2004)

GDP $959B (2003 USD) $2,271B (2003 USD)

The “N” in CLDN – It’s a The “N” in CLDN – It’s a Network.Network.

► Integrated with the US NLDN operated by VaisalaIntegrated with the US NLDN operated by Vaisala► 199 sensors gathering lightning data in real time.199 sensors gathering lightning data in real time.► Lightning location solutions available within 30-60 seconds Lightning location solutions available within 30-60 seconds ► Fault tolerant (solutions NOT dependent upon any one sensor)Fault tolerant (solutions NOT dependent upon any one sensor)► Solutions generated 24/7/365 with 99.5+% availabilitySolutions generated 24/7/365 with 99.5+% availability► No Intra Canada or Canada-USA Boundary Conditions (errors)No Intra Canada or Canada-USA Boundary Conditions (errors)

► Sensor QuantitiesSensor Quantities CLDN=83 in Canada owned by MSC (35% IMPACT ES, 65% CLDN=83 in Canada owned by MSC (35% IMPACT ES, 65%

LPATS)LPATS) NLDN (USA) =111 IMPACT ESP’s owned by VaisalaNLDN (USA) =111 IMPACT ESP’s owned by Vaisala Five More IMPACT ES sensors in Alaska contribute to CLDN Five More IMPACT ES sensors in Alaska contribute to CLDN

solutions in summer and we to theirs. (Alaska Fire Svc)solutions in summer and we to theirs. (Alaska Fire Svc)

CLDN + NLDN (USA) + Alaska = 199 SensorsCLDN + NLDN (USA) + Alaska = 199 Sensors

How the CLDN WorksHow the CLDN Works► 1. Multiple Sensors 1. Multiple Sensors

detect a Lightning detect a Lightning Stroke. Often 5-10 Stroke. Often 5-10 sensors.sensors.

► 2. Sensor immediately 2. Sensor immediately uplinks data to uplinks data to SatelliteSatellite

► 3. Satellite downloads 3. Satellite downloads data to Telesat Hub in data to Telesat Hub in Toronto.Toronto.

► 4. Data sent by land 4. Data sent by land line to Tucson where line to Tucson where all other data about all other data about this Stroke from all this Stroke from all other sensors is used other sensors is used to calculate the to calculate the solution location of the solution location of the Stroke.Stroke.

► 5. Solution information 5. Solution information sent back to Telesat sent back to Telesat Hub.Hub.

► 6. Solution information 6. Solution information uploaded to Satellite.uploaded to Satellite.

► 7. Solution information 7. Solution information broadcast by Satellite broadcast by Satellite to all users.to all users.

► Total time from Stroke Total time from Stroke to Solution Delivery to to Solution Delivery to client nominally 30 client nominally 30 seconds. Seldom more seconds. Seldom more than 60 seconds. than 60 seconds.

LightningLightningThe High Impact Weather The High Impact Weather

IndicatorIndicator• Precursor to and indicator of strong gusty winds, tornados Precursor to and indicator of strong gusty winds, tornados

and hail.and hail.• Indicator of the severity and maturity of thunderstorms.Indicator of the severity and maturity of thunderstorms.• Some relation between Rainfall amounts & Lightning Some relation between Rainfall amounts & Lightning

FlashesFlashes• High impact convective or lightning producing systems High impact convective or lightning producing systems

unlikely to escape detection by the CLDN. unlikely to escape detection by the CLDN. • Forecasters are making good use of the CLDN with Forecasters are making good use of the CLDN with

simultaneous integrated display of Radar, Satellite & simultaneous integrated display of Radar, Satellite & Lightning imageryLightning imagery

Lightning DensityLightning Density

The CLDN detects 5-10 million Flashes to Ground/Year over Canada.

Flash densities:Low to moderate(.25 to 4 flashes/sq km/year).

In Canada 2002:46-70% of forest fires e caused by lightning.

Average year:7631 fires consume 2.8M hectares forest

Lightning deaths: 3-8

Dynamic Performance Measurement.Dynamic Performance Measurement.Network Status GridNetwork Status Grid

►Every 30 Minutes. Every 30 Minutes. ► Available to Clients.Available to Clients.

Dynamic Performance Measurement.Dynamic Performance Measurement.Sensor StatusSensor Status

►Every 30 Minutes. Every 30 Minutes. ► Internal MSC Use.Internal MSC Use.

Dynamic Performance Measurement.Dynamic Performance Measurement.Accuracy and Efficiency MapsAccuracy and Efficiency Maps

►Every 30 Minutes. Every 30 Minutes. ► Internal MSC Use.Internal MSC Use.

SummarySummary► CLDN data is a reliable indicator of high impact weatherCLDN data is a reliable indicator of high impact weather► CLDN provides lightning detection coverage for over 95% of Canadians.► Data available within 30 to 60 seconds► Internet accessible Performance Measurement tools enable MSC to efficiently monitor and display the

status of the lightning detection sensors and the accuracy and efficiency of the CLDN in real time. ► The effects of sensor outages can easily be seen and action taken to minimize sensor down times. ► Performance Measurement provides input to network upgrade plans to sustain and further optimize

the CLDN. ► Network gradually being upgraded with new LS7000 sensors

High Impact WeatherHigh Impact WeatherEdmonton, Alberta 20050711Edmonton, Alberta 20050711

Lightning – Important at all Lightning – Important at all Scales!Scales!

Kamloops BC 20040713 1 Hour/ColorRed (hottest) most recent.

Blue (coldest) oldest.

St Catherines, ON 20040707 1 Hour/Color

Red (hottest) most recent. Blue (coldest) oldest.

Canada & Northern USA 20040801 1 Hour/ColorRed (hottest) most recent. Blue (coldest) oldest.

Thank YouThank You

Questions?Questions?