Initial Analysis of Ionospheric Electron Density Variations Across Ecuador Using GPS Data

TL;DR

This study provides a preliminary mapping of ionospheric electron density over Ecuador using GPS data, revealing oscillatory TEC patterns and offering insights for improving navigation and communication systems.

Contribution

It introduces a GPS-based method for mapping TEC in Ecuador, highlighting spatial and temporal variations in ionospheric electron content.

Findings

TEC peaks sometimes exceed 80 TECU

TEC oscillates with identifiable patterns

Minima in TEC do not reach zero

Abstract

In this study, we performed a preliminary mapping of Total Electron Content (TEC) over Ecuador using Global Positioning System (GPS) data. This process entails collecting and analyzing pseudorange observations from multiple GPS receivers nationwide. These receivers record signals from GPS satellites, and by comparing the arrival times of these signals, the number of electrons in the ionosphere can be inferred along the lines of sight between the satellites and the receivers. To perform this process, signal processing algorithms are utilized to calculate TEC values, which are subsequently used to generate two-dimensional color maps that illustrate the spatial distribution of TEC in Ecuador. These maps, created using data from 13 GPS receivers distributed throughout the country, offer a valuable visualization of TEC variability regarding geographic location and time. Focusing on specific days in January 2022, this study aims to analyze patterns and trends in ionospheric electron content across the region. The results revealed an oscillatory pattern in TEC evolution, with intensity peaks sometimes reaching or exceeding 80 TEC units (TECU), while local minima never reach zero values. This preliminary TEC mapping approach over Ecuador using GPS data is crucial for understanding ionospheric dynamics in the region. It may have various applications, including improving the accuracy of GPS navigation, monitoring solar activity, and forecasting ionospheric phenomena that can impact communications and satellite navigation.