Easy to use Global and Regional Ionospheric Models — A Report on Approaches Used in Graz

Abstract

Out of the necessity to provide quick access to ionospheric model data from various computer programs written in different languages (PASCAL, FORTRAN, IDL, etc.) we developed a “data box” approach in the following way: grid point values are calculated from an existing global or regional model and written into a data file. Good values for grid point distances are 5 degrees in latitude, 10 degrees in longitude and 10 km in height. Third order interpolation is used in all grid variables to find the model value where needed. For ray tracing applications splines can be used over the region of interest instead of simple interpolation.