Prediction of Transionospheric Signal Time Delays at Widely Separated Locations Using Correlative Techniques.

摘要

Excess time delays of transionospheric radio signals introduce ranging errors in satellite-navigation and radar systems, which are directly proportional to the total electron content (TEC) along the propagation path. Correlations of TEC values (based on linear regression analysis) at Fort Monmouth, NJ (40.18 N, 74.06 W) and Richmond, FL (25.60 N, 80.40 W), as well as at Richmond, FL and Anchorage, Alaska (61.04 N, 149.75 W) were previously determined. The correlation analysis was performed at monthly and daily intervals for winter periods during the quiet phase of the solar cycle. Average regression lines obtained by the analysis were then used to try to determine TEC at Richmond, assuming the availability of TEC in Fort Monmouth, and at Anchorage, assuming the availability of TEC in Fort Monmouth, and at Anchorage, assuming the availability of TEC at Richmond. In most cases, the predicted TEC was within one standard deviation of actual observed data for the former case, and within two standard deviations for the latter case. (Author)