Ionospheric Continuous Monitoring Stations Network
Even before INCT GNSS-NavAer, our team was already dedicated to the study of ionospheric scintillation. In this context, two previous thematic projects, CIGALA and CALIBRA, provided resources for the implementation of an ionospheric scintillation monitoring network in the Brazilian territory. This network remains active and continually expanding.
The main equipment of the monitoring stations is Septentrio's GNSS PolaRxS–PRO receiver, which is shown in Figure 1. This receiver collects data at a rate of up to 100 Hz and provides minute-specific ionosphere parameters.
At present, the network has receivers funded by CIGALA Project; CALIBRA Project; FAPESP and the INCT GNSS-NavAer, as well as partner institutions, totaling 15 receivers. These receivers are installed in continuous monitoring stations as distributed on the map shown in Figure 2. In the future, new receivers will be installed.
The data collected is stored in our infrastructure and made available for analysis in the ISMR Query Tool. This tool aims to extend the possibilities of ionosphere monitoring data analysis through the application of visualization and data mining techniques, exploring resources in a visual analytical cycle. The software can also be used to download historical monitoring data (.ismr files).
References
- VANI, Bruno César; SHIMABUKURO, Milton Hirokazu; MONICO, João Francisco Galera. Visual exploration and analysis of ionospheric scintillation monitoring data: The ISMR Query Tool. Computers & Geosciences (2017). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2016.08.022.