NOAA GOES-R Series Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) Instrument Calibration Data

The Geostationary Lightning Mapper is a single-channel, near-infrared optical transient detector that detects the momentary changes in an optical scene, indicating the presence of lightning. GLM measures total lightning activity continuously over the Americas and adjacent ocean regions with near uniform spatial resolution of approximately 10 km. GLM provides early predictions of intensifying storms and severe weather events. It also provides data for long-term climate studies. The instrument aids forecasting of weather events that could affect aviation safety and efficiency. GLM is unique both in how it operates and in the information it collects. While ground-based sensors only provide cloud-to-ground lightning coverage, GLM provides total lightning activity detection with both cloud-to-ground and cloud-to-cloud coverage. Also, ground-based systems can only provide coverage over land. GLM identifies growing, active and potentially destructive thunderstorms in areas over both land and oceans. The instrument collects information such as the frequency and location of lightning events to detect the intensification of thunderstorms and tropical cyclones, which are often accompanied by increased lightning activity.