Using GLM for an IDSS event  allows for great flexibility and confidence in providing warnings for decision makers.  In the image below, this shows a complex organization of thunderstorms. In this case, a lightning alert or warning for them.  In this case, since the thunderstorm structure is much more complicated, it is unlikely an all clear would be provided for some time.  It is likely this would be persistent through the afternoon as the surface front is pushing the sea breeze front back toward the coast and keeping the activity nearly parallel with the coast.   In this example, the FED product does provide the forecaster a good idea of the forward extent of the which is to the south and east, despite the fact the upper level winds are pushing the avils to the north.  The lightning points are also helpful to get an idea of where the potential return strokes are actually reaching the ground enveing though the GLM “can’t” actually 100% determine this but just based on the probability.  

Point flashes also provide the user with an idea of the size and potentially the ability to identify which core the lightning originated from.  Not sure how well this will work or if it will work but just a thought.  Think more work and or research will be required before we can say one way or the other if this will actually work.

– Strato-Dragon