Automatic scaling of critical frequency foF2 and MUF(3000)F2: A comparison between Autoscala and ARTIST 4.5 on Rome data

Abstract

The performances of Autoscala and ARTIST 4.5 were comparatively evaluated using a large database of 6098 ionograms recorded from September 2005 to June 2006 by the digisonde DPS4 at the Rome ionospheric station. Results of comparisons between automatically and manually scaled data are shown for both programs highlighting the different behaviors. The Autoscala and ARTIST 4.5 values of foF2 and MUF(3000)F2 both agree with the hand‐scaled values for ∼95% of ionograms. For the other ∼5% of ionograms, which the manual scaler classed as unscalable, ARTIST 4.5 usually gave invalid results, whereas Autoscala usually gave no result. The data recorded by the ionosondes DPS4 (interpreted by ARTIST 4.5) and AIS‐INGV (interpreted by Autoscala) during three geomagnetic storms were also analyzed. Ionograms with typical errors both for Autoscala and ARTIST 4.5 are displayed.