WSI Corporation Announces Introduction of the North American Precision Lightning NetworkSM (NAPLNSM)
Premier provider of real-time lightning detection data expands coverage and accuracy.
ANDOVER, MA, July 14, 2008 — WSI Corporation, the leader in weather-driven business solutions, today announced the introduction of the North American Precision Lightning NetworkSM (NAPLN), a highly accurate lightning stroke detection network covering the North American continent. The NAPLN is a geographic expansion of the existing United States Precision Lightning Network™ (USPLN™), which detects and reports lightning events in real-time for the continental United States. Like the USPLN, the North American Precision Lightning Network is a partnership of WSI and TOA Systems, a premier manufacturer of integrated lightning location and detection systems. The two companies currently provide lightning data and services to the US aviation, media, energy, consumer, and government markets, as well as to customers through a value-added reseller channel.
The North American network augments the USPLN with additional lightning detection sensors in Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean islands, and northern countries in South America. The added sensors ensure the highest levels of location accuracy and event detections in these newly covered areas, with the total area of the NAPLN more than double the size of the continental United States. The benefits to domestic and international customers are significant, including the considerable increase in geographic coverage and accessible markets. Real-time lightning stroke data from the NAPLN is provided seamlessly via the Internet within approximately 30 seconds from detection.
“WSI and TOA continue to build upon the success of the USPLN,” said Mark Gildersleeve, President of WSI, “bringing together the best lightning detection technology and comprehensive stroke data with the most extensive North American coverage available today. WSI is very pleased to be able to offer this additional data to our clients and partners, allowing them to expand the use of their lightning products and services outside of the United States.”
The North American Precision Lightning Network will be fully operational as of July 15, 2008.
About WSI Corporation
For over 30 years, WSI Corporation has focused on predicting, detecting, and visualizing disruptive weather. The US Government and top aviation, media, energy, and risk management companies trust WSI to supply them with easy-to-use, timely and expert weather information to help them take action to minimize the impact of such weather on their operations and the public. WSI is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Landmark Communications. More information about WSI can be found at www.wsi.com.
About TOA Systems
TOA Systems, Inc. is a uniquely capable manufacturer of integrated lightning location and lightning hazard warning systems. TOA has revolutionized the complex thunderstorm monitoring and forecasting tasks faced by government and industry worldwide. Their time-of-arrival based Lightning Location System (LLS) technology has been proven in operational networks throughout the world, and forms the basis for the United States and North America Precision Lightning Networks. TOA is located in Melbourne, Florida. For more information, please visit www.toasystems.com.
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