Determination of total electron content in the ionosphere over the territory of the Republic of Belarus based on global navigation satellite systems data

Abstract

We present the results of experimental studies of electron content in the ionosphere over the territory of the Republic of Belarus based on data from global navigation satellite systems. The results of measurements of the precise positioning system of the Republic of Belarus and navigation data of GPS satellites in RINEX format were used as input data. Expressions for calculation of the total electron content using the two-frequency method and a combination of measurements by phase and code delays are given. Algorithms for eliminating cycle slip and determining differential code biases are used. Examples of calculating the vertical electron content over the Republic of Belarus at different moments of time are demonstrated. The obtained results are reasonable to use in monitoring of the ionosphere in order to provide reliable operation of radio systems, detection of ionospheric anomalies of natural and artificial origin, as well as forecasting of natural phenomena on their basis.