In this study, a new moving amplification matching algorithm was proposed, and then the temporal and spatial differences and correlation were analysed and evaluated by comparing the FengYun-4A Lightning Mapping Imager (FY-4A LMI) data and the China Meteorological Administration Lightning Detection Network Advanced TOA and Direction (CMA-LDN ADTD) system data of southwest China in July 2018. The results are as follows. Firstly, the new moving amplification matching algorithm could effectively reduce the number of invalid operations and save the operation time in comparison to the conventional ergodic algorithms. Secondly, LMI has less detection efficiency during the daytime, using ADTD as a reference. The lightning number detected by ADTD increased from 5:00 AM UTC (13:00 PM BJT, Beijing Time) and almost lasted for a whole day. Thirdly, the trends of lightning data change of LMI and ADTD were the same as the whole. The average daily lightning matching rate of the LMI in July was 63.23%. The average hourly lightning matching rate of the LMI in July was 75.08%. Lastly, the mean value of the spherical surface distance in the matched array was 35.49 km, and roughly 80% of the matched distance was within 57 km, indicating that the spatial threshold limit was relatively stable. The correlation between LMI lightning radiation intensity and ADTD lighting current intensity was low.
Preliminary Research on a Comparison and Evaluation of FY-4A LMI and ADTD Data through a Moving Amplification Matching Algorithm