Forecasting Ionospheric Parameters and Images on HF and Ground to Satellite Paths

Project: Engineering and Physical Sciences Resarch Council/ BAE SYSTEMS Studentship 2002-2005

Researcher: Richard Dear

European GPS data from the IGS network exists for the last 5 years. We propose to produce a extensive database of images using MIDAS. The images will be parameterised to identify key features in the ionosphere and forecasting techniques will be developed for forecasting of these image parameters. An inverse mapping procedure will reconstruct the full 3-D field of the forecasted image. The approach to forecasting the image will be based upon either neural networks or a heuristic approach - in either case the forecast image is based on previous experience. Evaluation of success will be based on comparison of TEC and electron density profiles from measurements with forecast values.

. Images will be generated from 5 years of data

. Features within the images will be parameterised

. Algorithms will be developed for short-term forecasting

. Comparisons will be undertaken with independent data (e.g. EISCAT) to quantify the success of the system.