Ionospheric monitoring by correlation between GPS positioning performance and SID monitor observables

Understanding the ionospheric disturbances is the key factor in mitigation of the space weather- induced effects on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning performance. This can be reversed in favour of the GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver to become an ionospheric condition sensor. In addition, the Sudden Ionospheric Disturbances (SID) monitor, a low-cost sensor of lower ionosphere activity recently introduced to scientific community by Stanford University group, offers a good perspective for continuous monitoring of the ionospheric activity, especially in its lower layers. Here we present a concept of the local ionospheric monitoring through correlation between the time series of SID monitor observables and the GPS positioning errors. Assuming the ionospheric disturbances have the key impact on GPS positioning performance, and with reducing the impact of the other sources of GPS positioning errors, the concept offers a prospect for fast identification of the approaching, sudden ionospheric disturbances. Timely identification of these disturbances allows for forecasting of possible disruptions and degradations of GPS positioning service in local area, as well as potential effects on the other technological, social and economic systems. Proposed concept is to be validated through the analysis of continuously collected observables at GNSS laboratory, Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka, Croatia.