Estimation of 3D electron density in the Ionosphere by using fusion of GPS satellite-receiver network measurements and IRI-Plas model

Abstract

GPS systems can give a good approximation of the Slant Total Electron Content in a cylindrical path between the GPS satellite and the receiver. International Reference Ionosphere extended to Plasmasphere (IRI-Plas) model can also give an estimation of the vertical electron density profile in the ionosphere for any given location and time, in the altitude range from about 50 km to 20000 km. This information can be utilized to obtain total electron content between any given receiver and satellite locations based on the IRI-Plas model. This paper explains how the fusion of measurements obtained from a GPS satellite-receiver network can be utilized together with the IRI-Plas model in order to obtain a robust 3D electron density model of the ionosphere.