Ground Truth Generation Algorithm for Medium-Frequency R-Mode Skywave Detection

TL;DR

This paper introduces a ground truth generation algorithm for medium-frequency R-Mode skywave detection, addressing ionospheric interference issues to improve maritime navigation systems that rely on MF signals.

Contribution

The paper proposes a novel skywave ground truth generation algorithm specifically designed for MF R-Mode signals, validated with field-test data to aid interference mitigation.

Findings

Effective skywave ground truth generation demonstrated

Algorithm reduces daytime and nighttime performance discrepancies

Field-test validation confirms practical applicability

Abstract

With the advancement of transportation vehicles, the importance and utility of navigation systems providing positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information have been increasing. Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are widely used navigation systems, but they are vulnerable to radio frequency interference (RFI), resulting in disruptions of satellite navigation signals. Recognizing this limitation, extensive research is being conducted on alternative navigation systems. In the maritime industry, ongoing research focuses on a groundbased integrated navigation system called R-Mode. R-Mode utilizes medium frequency (MF) differential GNSS (DGNSS) and very high-frequency data exchange system (VDES) signals as ranging signals for positioning and incorporates the existing ground-based navigation system known as enhanced long-range navigation (eLoran). However, MF R-Mode, which uses MF DGNSS signals for positioning, exhibits significant performance differences between daytime and nighttime due to skywave interference caused by signals reflecting off the ionosphere. In this study, we propose a skywave ground truth generation algorithm that is crucial for studying mitigation methods for MF R-Mode skywave interference. Furthermore, we demonstrate the proposed algorithm using field-test data.