IONORING: Real-Time Monitoring of the Total Electron Content over Italy

IONORING (IONOspheric RING) is a tool capable to provide the real-time monitoring and modeling of ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) over Italy, in latitudinal longitudinal ranges 35°N–48°N 5°E–20°E, respectively. exploits Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data acquired by RING (Rete Integrata Nazionale GNSS) network, managed Istituto di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV). The system provides TEC maps with very fine spatial resolution (0.1° latitude x 0.1° longitude), refresh time 10 min typical latency below minute. estimated at piercing points from about 40 stations, equally distributed Italian territory, are interpolated using locally (weighted) regression scatter plot smoothing (LOWESS). validation performed comparing (in real-time) independent products: (i) Ionospheric Maps (GIM) - final product- provided International GNSS Service (IGS), (ii) European Royal Observatory Belgium. results satisfactory terms Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between 2 3 TECu for both comparisons. potential depicting daily seasonal variations analyzed years, May 2017 April 2020, as well its capability account effect disturbed geospace on ionosphere mid-latitudes. response X9.3 flare event September highlights sudden increase Italy 20%, small, expected dependence latitude, i.e., distance subsolar point. Subsequent large regional various were observed related follow-on geomagnetic storms. This storm also used case demonstrate improving accuracy Single Point Positioning. By processing kinematic mode Klobuchar model correction, resulting Horizontal Positioning 4.3 m, lowering to, 3.84 m when GIM used. If reference ionosphere, error low 2.5 m. Real-times application services which currently integrated described conclusive remarks.