Guangdong Lightning Mapping Array: Errors Evaluation and Preliminary Results

The Guangdong Lightning Mapping Array (GDLMA), as the first LMA in China, was deployed in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China, in November 2018 by the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences (CAMS) and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT). An evaluation was conducted using Monte Carlo and an aircraft track. The average timing uncertainty of GDLMA is 35 ns based on the distributions of reduced chi-square values. The detection efficiency of radiation sources within a 100 km range of the center of GDLMA exceeds 90%. Based on the aircraft track, the average horizontal error was 13 m and the average horizontal error was 41 m, consistent with the Monte Carlo results. When outside the network, The location uncertainties varied significantly with different azimuths. Location results with different error ranges were presented, showing relatively clear mapping results when the localization error is less than 300m. The location results of  GDLMA and Low-to-Mid Frequency E-field Detection Array (MLFEDA) were compared, and they showed generally similar in basic structure and some lightning characteristics, such as flash area and distribution of source altitudes. However, GDLMA exhibited better channel characterization capabilities, while MFLEDA performed better in processes such as leader/return strokes.