Lightning Menus are out of control

Data Overload:

A big point of contention for field forecasters is the overwhelming number of lightning data options that are available in AWIPS.  The image directly below shows example of the all menu and data options that are present. The secondary image below shows the still large amount of options in just the GLM dataset.

All options available for NLDN, ENTLN, & GLM

It would be much more beneficial to refine this list to operationally useful datasets that forecasters can quickly and efficiently use. Particularly when forecasters are already inundated with other data sources (obs, models, satellite, statistically output, gridded info, etc). This again emphasized training priorities in use and application of lightning datasets. Particularly the high impact lightning has on the public and also considering the promising use lightning has for predicting CG strikes and storm intensification.

After reviewing several of the GLM data sets, I see little use in grid spacing of 20 & 40 km which expands lightning across a far too vast area.

1 & 3 km plotting is also has strange data plotting artifacts that appear to point source like. A bit hard to see below.

I think the sweet spot seems to be in the 5 to 8 km grid which is closer to the convective storm scale which can plot storm cores and lightning moving in the environment surrounding the updraft.

I would recommend removing these other scales and maintain 5 & 8 km to reduce confusion to forecasters when this is shipped to the field.

Forecaster --Tahoe