Electric field mills are used popularly for atmospheric electric field
measurements. Atmospheric Electric Field variation is the primary
signature for Lightning Early Warning systems. There is a characteristic
change in the atmospheric electric field before lightning during a
thundercloud formation. A voltage controlled variable capacitance is
being proposed as a method for non-contacting measurement of electric
fields. A varactor based mini electric field measurement system is
developed, to detect any change in the atmospheric electric field and to
issue lightning early warning system. Since this is a low-cost device,
this can be used for developing countries which are facing adversities.
A network of these devices can help in forming a spatial map of electric
field variations over a region, and this can be used for more improved
atmospheric electricity studies in developing countries.