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Ionospheric imaging in Africa
Author(s) -
Chartier Alex T.,
Kinrade Joe,
Mitchell Cathryn N.,
Rose Julian A. R.,
Jackson David R.,
Cilliers Pierre,
Habarulema JohnBosco,
Katamzi Zama,
Mckinnell LeeAnne,
Matamba Tshimangadzo,
Opperman Ben,
Ssessanga Nicholas,
Giday Nigussie Mezgebe,
Tyalimpi Vumile,
Franceschi Giorgiana De,
Romano Vincenzo,
Scotto Carlo,
Notarpietro Riccardo,
Dovis Fabio,
Avenant Eugene,
Wonnacott Richard,
Oyeyemi Elijah,
Mahrous Ayman,
Tsidu Gizaw Mengistu,
Lekamisy Harvey,
Olwendo Joseph Ouko,
Sibanda Patrick,
Gogie Tsegaye Kassa,
Rabiu Babatunde,
Jong Kees De,
Adewale Adekola
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1002/2013rs005238
Subject(s) - ionosphere , global positioning system , geodetic datum , anomaly (physics) , remote sensing , total electron content , computer science , geodesy , radar , reference frame , geology , geography , frame (networking) , tec , telecommunications , physics , geophysics , condensed matter physics
Accurate ionospheric specification is necessary for improving human activities such as radar detection, navigation, and Earth observation. This is of particular importance in Africa, where strong plasma density gradients exist due to the equatorial ionization anomaly. In this paper the accuracy of three‐dimensional ionospheric images is assessed over a 2 week test period (2–16 December 2012). These images are produced using differential Global Positioning System (GPS) slant total electron content observations and a time‐dependent tomography algorithm. The test period is selected to coincide with a period of increased GPS data availability from the African Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF) project. A simulation approach that includes the addition of realistic errors is employed in order to provide a ground truth. Results show that the inclusion of observations from the AFREF archive significantly reduces ionospheric specification errors across the African sector, especially in regions that are poorly served by the permanent network of GPS receivers. The permanent network could be improved by adding extra sites and by reducing the number of service outages that affect the existing sites.