1.3 Lightning detection

Lightning detection systems are used to record the location and time of lightning strikes. 

The operating principle of these systems is based primarily on measuring the electromagnetic field generated by a lightning discharge. This electromagnetic field is detected by several spatially distributed sensors, and by analysing the time differences with which the signals arrive at the sensors, the exact location of the lightning discharge can be calculated. This measuring method is referred to as the 'time of arrival' method.

The data obtained in this way can be used to visualise the direction and speed of thunderstorms and to determine statistical values for the average frequency of lightning strikes in specific geographical areas.

This results in a wide range of applications for lightning detection systems, which relate to both risk assessment for the safety of people and installations and research into thunderstorms. The most important areas of application are therefore: