Articles | Volume 19, issue 20
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-6571-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-6571-2026
Research article
 | 
19 Oct 2026
Research article |  | 19 Oct 2026

Evaluating EUCLID location accuracy using lightning events near tall structures

Dieter Roel Poelman, Hannes Kohlmann, and Wolfgang Schulz

Related authors

Insights into thunderstorm characteristics from geostationary lightning jump and dive observations
Felix Erdmann and Dieter Roel Poelman
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1751–1768, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1751-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1751-2025, 2025
Short summary
Insights into ground strike point properties in Europe through the EUCLID lightning location system
Dieter Roel Poelman, Hannes Kohlmann, and Wolfgang Schulz
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2511–2522, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2511-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2511-2024, 2024
Short summary

Cited articles

Azadifar, M., Rachidi, F., Rubinstein, M., Paolone, M., Diendorfer, G., Pichler, H., Schulz, W., Pavanello, D., and Romero, C.: Evaluation of the performance characteristics of the European Lightning Detection Network EUCLID in the Alps region for upward negative flashes using direct measurements at the instrumented Säntis Tower, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 121, 595–606, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JD024259, 2016. 
Cramer, J. A. and Cummins, K. L.: Evaluating location accuracy of lightning location networks using tall towers, in: International Lightning Detection Conference, Tucson, Arizona, USA, https://www.vaisala.com/en/view-and-download-papers-earlier-ildcilmc-conferences (last access: 17 October 2026), 2014. 
Diendorfer, G.: LLS performance validation using lightning to towers, in: Proc. 21st Int. Lightning Detection Conf., Orlando, FL, Vaisala, 15 pp., https://www.vaisala.com/en/view-and-download-papers-earlier-ildcilmc-conferences (last access: 17 October 2026), 2010. 
Diendorfer, G.: A review of 25 years of lightning research in Austria from 1991–2015, in: World meeting on Lightning, 6–8 April 2016, Cartagena, Colombia, https://www.acofi.edu.co/womel/conference-papers (last access: 17 October 2026), 2016. 
Idone, V. P., Davis, D. A., Moore, P. K., Wang, Y., Henderson, R. W., Ries, M., and Jamason, P. F.: Performance evaluation of the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network in eastern New York: 1. Detection efficiency, J. Geophys. Res., 103, 9045–9055, https://doi.org/10.1029/98JD00154, 1998. 
Download
Short summary
This study evaluates the location accuracy of a European-wide lightning detection network using lightning events near tall structures across Europe (2012–2025). A clustering approach identifies strikes likely hitting structures, enabling large-scale validation. Results show a median accuracy of ~125 m, consistent with previous studies, and reveal spatial patterns and temporal improvement due to network upgrades. The method provides a scalable proxy for performance assessment.
Share