Planetnik storm sensing & local warning network
Storm sensing & local warning network

Planetnik

We are building a community network for storm and cloud observation, powered by local StormNode devices.

The project name is inspired by the Polish Płanetnik — a folklore figure associated with clouds, rain, hail and storms. The modern Planetnik is a sensor network designed to help communities understand what is happening above their heads.

Join the project Learn the name origin Storm map — coming soon
Planetnik — storm sensing & local warning network
StormNode A prototype local node for lightning detection and weather observation.
Local network Many measurement points will eventually contribute to a storm activity map.
Warning The project is being developed toward local alerts and community storm observation.
About the project

What is Planetnik?

Planetnik is a community-driven project for storm and local weather observation. We combine StormNode devices, telemetry data, sky images and a custom web panel to build a practical layer of local weather information.

Community storm observation network

We want to build a network of measurement points placed in real locations: balconies, plots, schools, workplaces and other safe mounting spots.

StormNode as a local node

StormNode detects lightning, collects environmental data, captures images and sends telemetry to the project panel.

Weather data and API

Planetnik network data is intended to be presented in the panel and exposed through an API, including historical data for participants and integrations.

Network & data

More than lightning detection

Planetnik is designed to combine data from synchronized StormNode clusters, estimate probable storm activity areas and enrich them with local telemetry.

See the network concept
StormNode clusters

Groups of synchronized nodes will help correlate detections and estimate probable event areas.

Weather data and API

Beyond detection, we plan to expose photos, temperature, humidity, pressure, GPS data and archives via API.

Technologies

Hardware, firmware and infrastructure

StormNode is built where electronics, firmware, web panel and server backend meet: from DFRobot modules and Arduino IDE v2, through C++ and PHP, to Linux, Proxmox and DirectAdmin.

See project stack
Firmware and sensors

C++ for ESP32, lightning sensor, BME280, GNSS/GPS and camera.

Panel and infrastructure

PHP, HTML/CSS/JS, Linux, Proxmox, DirectAdmin and Infrastructure as Code approach.

Project life

We build Planetnik step by step

This is not an off-the-shelf product. Planetnik grows through prototypes, field tests, lab notes, community ideas and StormNode iterations.

See notes and roadmap
Płanetnik lab notes

Short notes about sensors, enclosures, firmware, panel, data and field testing.

Roadmap and FAQ

We show the direction without overpromising and without publishing the entire know-how.

Community

We are looking for people

We are developing a pilot StormNode network and looking for people who can help test, mount and refine the devices in real-world conditions.

See how to join
Enclosures and outdoor mounting

We need help with cases, sealing, mounting, 3D printing and practical outdoor installation.

Pilot network

We want to place prototypes on balconies, plots, schools, universities, workplaces and other safe locations.