Use of IGS Ionosphere Products in TAI

P. Wolf, G. Petit

Abstract:	Several IGS (International GPS Service) analysis centers now provide ionosphere products in the form of global ionosphere maps. Starting in August 1999, the ionosphere products of the IGS CODE (Center for Orbit Determination in Europe) analysis center are used for the ionospheric correction of several long- and medium-distance time links in the TM network. We show the improvements in stability and accuracy resulting from the use of the IGS products, rather than the standard broadcast Klobuchar model for the ionosphere. When compared to ionospheric corrections from on-site dual-frequency measurements with non-calibrated receivers (the method previously used for two long-distance links), we see roughly equivalent stability, but improved accuracy and reliability, due to the adjustment of satellite and receiver biases in the IGS solution and to the large number of receivers used by the IGS. We expect that in the near future several more time links will be corrected for ionosphere using the IGS products, which should prove advantageous, especially in light of the upcoming strong ionospheric activity due to the solar maximum expected around 2001.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 31th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting December 7 - 9, 1999 Marriott's Laguna Cliffs Resort Dana Point, California
Pages:	419 - 430
Cite this article:	Wolf, P., Petit, G., "Use of IGS Ionosphere Products in TAI," Proceedings of the 31th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Dana Point, California, December 1999, pp. 419-430.
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