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Mid-Atlantic Lightning Mapping Array (MALMA)

Published by NASA/MSFC/GHRC | National Aeronautics and Space Administration | Catalog Last Checked: June 23, 2026 at 08:52 PM | Dataset Last Updated: June 22, 2026
The Mid-Atlantic Lightning Mapping Array (MALMA) dataset collection is used to validate the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) on the International Space Station (ISS), the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument, and other current and future lightning measurements. These data are also used in convective storm process studies, including but not limited to the validation of convection-resolving models that predict lightning. The MALMA network is obtained through the combined processing of two separate lightning mapping arrays. These are the Washington D.C. lightning mapping array (DCLMA) and the Wallops Flight Facility lightning mapping array (WFFLMA). The individual output for these networks are available as separate products and are listed in the Related Data section. The MALMA data files are available from January 1, 2020 through April 4, 2026 and are ongoing in ASCII format.

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Complete Metadata
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accessLevel public
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}
description The Mid-Atlantic Lightning Mapping Array (MALMA) dataset collection is used to validate the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) on the International Space Station (ISS), the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument, and other current and future lightning measurements. These data are also used in convective storm process studies, including but not limited to the validation of convection-resolving models that predict lightning. The MALMA network is obtained through the combined processing of two separate lightning mapping arrays. These are the Washington D.C. lightning mapping array (DCLMA) and the Wallops Flight Facility lightning mapping array (WFFLMA). The individual output for these networks are available as separate products and are listed in the Related Data section. The MALMA data files are available from January 1, 2020 through April 4, 2026 and are ongoing in ASCII format.
distribution 
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identifier 10.5067/MALMA/DATA101
keyword 
[
  "earth-science-atmospheric-electricity-atmosphere-lightning"
]
license https://www.usa.gov/government-works
modified 2026-06-22
programCode 
[
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]
publisher 
{
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  "@type": "org:Organization"
}
spatial 
"["CARTESIAN", [{"NorthBoundingCoordinate": 40.374, "SouthBoundingCoordinate": 36.776, "WestBoundingCoordinate": -78.705, "EastBoundingCoordinate": -74.104}]]"
theme 
[
  "Earth Science"
]
title Mid-Atlantic Lightning Mapping Array (MALMA)

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