Abstract Due to the differences of ionospheric modeling methods and selected tracking stations, the accuracy and consistency of Global Ionospheric Maps (GIMs) released by Ionosphere Associate Analysis Centers (IAACs) are different. In this study, we evaluate and analyze in detail the accuracy and consistency of GIMs final products provided by six IAACs from three different aspects. Firstly, the comparison of these GIMs shows that the mean bias (MEAN) is related to the modeling methods of various IAACs. The variation trend of the standard deviation (STD) is consistent with the solar activities, and accompanied by certain seasonal and annual periodic variations. The MEAN between IGS and each center is about −1.3 to 1.0 TECU, and the STD is about 1.4–2.5 TECU. Secondly, the validation with GPS TEC shows that the STD of CODE is the smallest at various latitudes, and the STD is about 0.7–4.5 TECU. Thirdly, The validation with the Jason2 VTEC shows that the STD between Jason2 and IAACs is about 4.4–5.2 TECU. In addition, the STD between Jason2 and six GIMs in the areas with more tracking stations is better than that of the regions with fewer tracking stations in different latitude regions. Regardless of whether the tracking stations are more or less, the MEAN and STD in high solar activity are larger than in low solar activity.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Accuracy and consistency of different global ionospheric maps released by IGS ionosphere associate analysis centers


    Contributors:
    Chen, Peng (author) / Liu, Hang (author) / Ma, Yongchao (author) / Zheng, Naiquan (author)

    Published in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 65 , 1 ; 163-174


    Publication date :

    2019-09-23


    Size :

    12 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English