Lamarck Atmospheric database

Miratlas’ "Lamarck" Atmospheric Dataset: Empowering Free Space Optical Communication Research

Miratlas’ Lamarck is a comprehensive atmospheric dataset designed to accelerate academic and industry research in free space optical (FSO) communication. Released under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 license, this initiative provides researchers with unprecedented access to 19TB of high-resolution atmospheric data, growing by 1TB monthly. The dataset is sourced from Miratlas’ global network of over 50 Sky Monitor sites across 17 countries, combining years of continuous, 24/7 measurements of critical atmospheric parameters: turbulence, cloud cover, humidity, and absorption.

The Lamarck dataset enables scientists to:

• Analyze real-world atmospheric conditions impacting laser signal propagation,

• Simulate satellite-to-Earth and terrestrial FSO communication scenarios,

• Develop adaptive optics, encoding algorithms, and site diversity strategies to mitigate signal interference and optimize system reliability.

Sky Monitor Technology At the heart of Lamarck is Miratlas’ Sky Monitor, the first commercially available instrument to measure both daytime and nighttime turbulence alongside cloud cover. Each unit integrates:

• All-sky visible and thermal imagers,

• C-DIMM for nighttime turbulence,

• Sun Scintillation Sensor for daytime turbulence,

• A weather station for environmental context.

This plug-and-play, rugged system delivers local, high-precision measurements, essential for optical terminal design, site selection, and ground segment optimization.

Why "Lamarck"? Named after Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck, a pioneer of systematic meteorological observation, the dataset honors his legacy of data-driven science. Lamarck’s emphasis on empirical atmospheric studies laid the groundwork for modern meteorology—a principle Miratlas extends to FSO communication.

Open Data for Innovation Miratlas democratizes access to atmospheric data, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA). Researchers can explore and download data via Miratlas’ secure platform, ensuring GDPR-compliant data integrity and ethical use. While the CC license permits non-commercial use, sharing, and adaptation, it explicitly prohibits automated data extraction (e.g., for AI training) without separate agreement.

Impact By providing real-world data, Lamarck addresses key challenges in FSO communication, such as atmospheric turbulence, signal attenuation, and link budget optimization. It supports the development of resilient optical ground segments, bridging terrestrial and orbital connectivity.

For more details or collaboration opportunities, visit Miratlas’ platform or contact their team.