A different approach to the analysis of GPS scintillation data

Abstract

Amplitude scintillation data from GPS were analyzed. The objective is to estimate the impact of ionospheric scintillations at Satellite Based Augmentation Systems Ranging and Integrity Monitoring Station (SBAS RIMS) level and at GPS user level. For this purpose, a new approach to the problem was considered. Data were studied from the point of view of the impact of scintillations on the calculation of VTEC at pierce points and ionospheric grid points. An ionospheric grid of 5° 5° surface squares was assumed. From geometrical considerations and taking into account the basic principle to compute VTEC at grid points, with the data analyzed it is shown that scintillations very seldom affect the calculation of a grid point VTEC. Data from all the RIMS and for the entire GPS satellites network must be analyzed simultaneously to describe a realistic scenario for the impact of scintillations on SBAS. Finally, GPS scintillation data were analyzed at user level: service availability problems were encountered.