Assessment of Ionospheric TEC Estimation Uncertainty Using Single-Frequency Wideband Low-Elevation GNSS Signals

Madeline C. Evans, Brian Breitsch, Y. Jade Morton

Peer Reviewed

Abstract:	This study presents the use of wideband, low-elevation satellite signals to retrieve ionospheric total electron content (TEC) from ground-based global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver data. As ionospheric conditions are one of the most unpredictable factors for GNSS measurements, TEC estimation is imperative to mitigate impacts on GNSS-dependent systems. In polar regions, TEC mapping challenges arise from sparse ground stations, limited high-elevation GNSS signals, and large uncertainties in abundant low-elevation signals. By analyzing one week of Global Positioning System L1CA, L2C, and L5 pseudorange data from stations in Haleakala, HI, and Toolik Lake, AK, this study highlights the advantages of single-frequency wideband signals for TEC estimation. The uncertainty of wideband-derived TEC is reduced by a factor of ~3–7 at low elevation angles and ~3–5 at high angles, compared with dual-frequency narrowband TEC. Overall, this technique could enhance the impact of GNSS ground stations to extend their capabilities in poorly monitored regions.
Published in:	NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation, Volume 73, Number
Cite this article:	Citation Tools are available on the NAVIGATION open access site https://doi.org/10.33012/navi.737
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