Disruption of GPS Observations by Ionospheric Disturbances

Steven Musman

Abstract:	The most common consequence of ionospheric refraction in Global Positioning _System (GPS) observations ts a systematic reduction in scale. This effect can be minimized by using dual frequency observations or by correcting single frequency observations with an external estimate of ionospheric thickckness. As solar activity increases toward an apparently intense maximum, the magnitude of the effect increases. Also, the possibility of disturbed ionospheric conditions generally associated with solar flares and geomagnetic storms is more likely.Thus far, three examples of ionospheric conditions that were sufficiently disturbed to disrupt single frequency GPS observations have been studied. These occurred: (1) January 14, 1988, at Westford, Massachusetts. (2) March 13, 1989, in Texas and Louisiana. (3) May 3, 1989, at Gaithersburg, Maryland. The first two are associated with major geomagnetic storms. Details of these and perhaps other events will be described. Strategies will be suggested for avoiding and minimizing the impact of such disturbances.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2nd International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1989) September 27 - 29, 1989 The Broadmoor Hotel Colorado Spring, CO
Pages:	421 - 424
Cite this article:	Musman, Steven, "Disruption of GPS Observations by Ionospheric Disturbances," Proceedings of the 2nd International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1989), Colorado Spring, CO, September 1989, pp. 421-424.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In