Developing the LDi and LCi Geomagnetic Indices, an Example of Application of the AULs Framework

The Application Usability Level (AUL) framework has been recently introduced as an efficient and effective way to track progress toward the needs of a user for a specific application. This paper is an example of how the AUL framework facilitates communication between the industry users of space weather research and researchers for developing a product. The products are two new geomagnetic indices fully approved for on‐demand use: the LDi index, for nowcasting local geomagnetic disturbances, and the LCi index, as a proxy for the geomagnetically induced currents risk. Key Points An example of the AUL progression from basic research to on‐demand application is presented This example shows that efficientand effective user‐researcher communication facilitates spaceweather application development Real‐life examples of lessons learned and best practices for a space‐weather project are shownt