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Error Analyses of the North Alabama Lightning Mapping Array (LMA)Two approaches are used to characterize how accurately the North Alabama Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) is able to locate lightning VHF sources in space and in time. The first method uses a Monte Carlo computer simulation to estimate source retrieval errors. The simulation applies a VHF source retrieval algorithm that was recently developed at the NASA-MSFC and that is similar, but not identical to, the standard New Mexico Tech retrieval algorithm. The second method uses a purely theoretical technique (i.e., chi-squared Curvature Matrix theory) to estimate retrieval errors. Both methods assume that the LMA system has an overall rms timing error of 50ns, but all other possible errors (e.g., multiple sources per retrieval attempt) are neglected. The detailed spatial distributions of retrieval errors are provided. Given that the two methods are completely independent of one another, it is shown that they provide remarkably similar results, except that the chi-squared theory produces larger altitude error estimates than the (more realistic) Monte Carlo simulation.
Document ID
20030062022
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Koshak, W. J.
(National Space Science and Technology Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Solokiewicz, R. J.
(Chicago State Univ. Chicago, IL, United States)
Blakeslee, R. J.
(National Space Science and Technology Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Goodman, S. J.
(National Space Science and Technology Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Christian, H. J.
(National Space Science and Technology Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Hall, J. M.
(National Space Science and Technology Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Bailey, J. C.
(National Space Science and Technology Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Krider, E. P.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Bateman, M. G.
(National Space Science and Technology Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Boccippio, D. J.
(National Space Science and Technology Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Atmospheric Electricity ICAE 2003
Location: Versailles
Country: France
Start Date: June 9, 2003
End Date: June 13, 2003
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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