This archive contains answers to questions sent to Unidata support through mid-2025. Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated. For the most up-to-date information on the use of NSF Unidata software and data services, please consult the Software Documentation first.
Hi Michael, re: > Hello. I am a scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. > I am developing a potential research project for a student involving > US lightning. > > Could you tell me how I might obtain archived data from the National > Lightning Detection Network? Archived NLDN data is only available from Vaisala (sites including SUNY Albany are explicitly prohibited from giving the archived data to users outside of their campus). However, since the UW/AOS department has been getting NLDN data for quite a few years, there is a chance that they have their own archive of the data. I suggest you contact the LDM/IDD contact in AOS, Pete Pokrandt, to explore this possibilty: Pete Pokrandt <address@hidden> 608-262-3086 > Can I get it for free since it is for university research purposes? If AOS does not have an archive, this is a question that only Vaisala can answer. > What years of data are available in the archive Again, this is a question for either AOS or Vaisala. > and what data format? I would guess that the format of the archived data is the same or similar to the format used in the NLDN IDD datastream. This is described in our Data->Lightning web page: Unidata HomePage http://www.unidata.ucar.edu Data http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/data Lightning http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/data/lightning_data_2.html NLDN Lightning Data http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/data/lightning.html#nldn My guess about the format of the data archived by Vaisala could, of course, be incorrect. (We have never attempted to get archived data from Vaisala.) > Thanks, No worries. Cheers, Tom -- **************************************************************************** Unidata User Support UCAR Unidata Program (303) 497-8642 P.O. Box 3000 address@hidden Boulder, CO 80307 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unidata HomePage http://www.unidata.ucar.edu **************************************************************************** Ticket Details =================== Ticket ID: DRS-271122 Department: Support IDD Priority: Normal Status: Closed