Multi-GNSS global ionosphere modeling enhanced by virtual observation stations based on IRI-2016 model

Abstract

The inhomogeneous distribution of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations results in inaccurate vertical total electron contents (VTECs) in global ionosphere maps (GIMs) over areas with large GNSS data gaps. Incorporating VTECs from the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model is usually adopted as one approach to mitigate the inaccurate VTECs. However, large and complicated spatiotemporal varying VTEC biases between GNSS and IRI suggest a robust strategy to optimally combine GNSS and IRI VTECs for operational high-precision modeling. Here, we thoroughly analyze the characteristics of VTEC biases between GNSS and IRI-2016 model in different latitudes from 2009 to 2019, and develop an improved functional and stochastic model. An automated assimilation strategy of GNSS and IRI-2016 VTECs is proposed for Shanghai Astronomical Observatory final GIM (SHAG) routine estimation, and the reliability of GIMs in areas with lack of stations is enhanced by attaching Virtual Observation Stations (VOSs) based on IRI-2016 model and VOS bias parameters. Experimental results show that the root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) of SHAG with respect to VTECs retrieved from four independent GNSS assessment stations are reduced by 21.65–53.06% in the large data gaps with the assistance of VOSs. Furthermore, we validated the long-term reliability of SHAG spanned one solar cycle (2009–2019) with International GNSS Service (IGS) final GIMs and satellite altimetry VTECs. Validation results suggest that SHAG is in good agreement with IGS final GIMs, and reliability of SHAG in large GNSS data gap areas is significantly improved by attaching VOSs and biases. This methodology also represents an efficient tool for automated global ionospheric modeling integrating multi-source data.