OpenStreetMap
The world’s open, community-built geographic database, providing free editable vector map data to millions of global applications.
LightningMaps.org is a real-time storm tracking platform that detects and visualizes lightning strikes across the Earth within seconds of occurrence. Powered by the open-source Blitzortung volunteer network, it computes the exact coordinates of cloud-to-ground and intra-cloud electrical discharges using time-of-arrival (TOA) telemetry.
Key Real-Time Tracking Features
- Instant Stroke Audio & Visuals: Discharges appear as animated dots with expanding circular wave fronts illustrating the travel distance of sound (thunder).
- Zero-Latency Lightning Alerts: Detects strikes within 1 to 3 seconds of the physical flash.
- Historical Storm Analysis: Play back lightning strikes over the preceding 24 hours to observe thunderstorm trajectories and cold front movement.
- Global Station Network: Coordinates data from over 3,000 synchronized volunteer receivers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can LightningMaps display strikes so fast?
Lightning flashes emit very low frequency (VLF) radio waves. Distributed receivers measure the microsecond time-of-arrival, enabling the central cluster to triangulate coordinates instantly.
What do the expanding circles around strikes mean?
The circles represent the expanding shockwave of thunder traveling outward at approximately 343 meters per second.
Can anyone join the Blitzortung receiver network?
Yes. Hobbyists and weather enthusiasts can build or purchase inexpensive VLF receiver hardware to contribute data to the global network.
data statistics
Relevant Navigation
The True Size Of…
Interactive geographic comparison tool that lets you drag countries across the globe to reveal their actual size without Mercator map distortion.
WindowSwap
Serene community platform allowing you to open a new window and gaze out of someone’s window somewhere across the world.
Old Maps Online
Search engine and historical geography portal indexing hundreds of thousands of digitized antique maps from world-class libraries.
Flightradar24
The world’s leading global flight tracking service, displaying real-time commercial and private aircraft positions across an interactive map.
Worldometer
Global real-time statistics counters tracking world population, economy, health, environment, food, energy, and media per second.
David Rumsey Map Collection
Renowned digital archive containing over 150,000 high-resolution historical maps, maritime charts, globes, and atlases from the 16th to 21st century.
Zoom Earth
Interactive live satellite map providing near real-time global imagery, hurricane tracking, precipitation radar, and severe weather monitoring.
No comments...