Comparison of Ionospheric Spatial Gradient Estimation Methods using GNSS

GNSS를 이용한 전리층 기울기 추정 방법 비교

The high ionospheric spatial gradient during ionospheric storm is the most concern when applying GNSS(Global Navigation Satellite System) augmentation systems for aircraft precision approach. Since the ionospheric gradient level depends on geographical location as well as the storm, understanding the ionospheric gradient statistics over a specific regional area is necessary for operating the augmentation systems. This paper compares three ionosphere gradient computation methods, direct differentiation between two receivers' ionospheric delay signal for a common satellite, derivation from a grid ionosphere map, and derivation from a plate ionosphere map. The plate map method provides a good indication on the gradient variation behavior over a regional area with limited number of GNSS receivers. The residual analysis for the ionosphere storm detection is discussed as well.