Open GIS-Based Lightning Information System for Electric Power System

Lightning is one of the single largest causes of service disruptions and equipment damage occurring on utility distribution systems. Protection of power distribution system from lightning-related damage and faults is crucial to maintaining adequate power quality and reliability. In this paper, a Lightning Information System which meets the OpenGIS standards and uses open source softwares such as PostGIS, GeoServer, Tomcat and OpenLayers is established to monitor lightning on the transmission lines. It is a new mechanics to capture, store, visualize, analyze and manage lightning data and the state of power apparatus, as well as provides a timely, accurate, and direct instructs of lightning protection for the electric power system.