Lightning Flash Density Map of Pakistan on ARC-GIS® Software - An Empirical Approach

Abstract

Lightning is a natural hazard that can have severe effects both on electrical power system and in general. In order to plan for lightning protection it is necessary to map out the likely occurrence of lightning at any location across the country. In this paper lightning density map of Pakistan has been developed using Pakistan Metrology Department (PMD) data over the period 1960-1990 on Arc-GIS software® platform. Such map is helpful in planning protection system for utility company's network and in general for lightning risk assessment at country level. Further lightning map also helps in predicting aviation hazards severe storm and in understanding the weather in any country. The developed lightning map shows that Pakistan lightning flash density is highest in region around Murree reaching a maximum of 9.4 flashes per km2 per year and most of the areas of Pakistan have lowest density reaching a minimum value of hardly single flash/km2/yr.