International Association of Geodesy

 

COMMISSION 4: Positioning & Applications

Sub-commission 4.3: GNSS Measurement of the Atmosphere


   
 

Sub-commission 4.3 web site ... click here ...

Terms of Reference

Over the past decade, significant advances in GPS technology have enabled the use of GPS as an atmospheric remote sensing tool. With the growing global infrastructure of GPS reference stations, the capability exists to derive high-resolution estimates of total electron content and precipitable water vapour in near real-time. Recent advances in tomographic modelling and the availability of spaceborne Global Positioning System (GPS) observations has also allowed 3-D profiling of electron density and atmospheric refractivity. Future plans for the GALILEO system will allow further opportunities for exploiting Global Navigation Satelliote Systems (GNSS) as an atmospheric remote sensing tool. Many countries have initiated efforts in this area of research and application. The focus of this Sub-Commission is to facilitate collaboration and communication, and support joint research efforts, for GNSS measurement of the atmosphere. Specific objectives will be achieved through the formation of appropriate Working Group. A Steering Committee will work closely with members and other IAG Commissions/Sub-Commissions to achieve mutual goals. Collaboration with the International GPS Service (IGS), the SG1.1, and other IAG entities and agencies will be promoted through, for example, joint sponsorship of workshops and conference sessions.


Steering Committee

Susan Skone (University of Calgary, Canada) - Chair
Hans van der Marel (Tech. Univ. of Delft, The Netherlands) - Co-Chair
Jens Wickert (GFZ, Germany) - Vice-Chair
Anthea Coster (MIT Haystack Observatory, USA) - Member at Large


Objectives


Working Groups

WG4.3.1 Ionospheric Scintillation

Chair: Dr. Biagio Forte (Nova Gorica Polytechnic)
Terms of Reference: This effort provides the scientific community a statistical dataset about scintillation morphology, primarily at high latitudes, as observed by means of GPS satellites.

WG4.3.2 Performance Evaluation of Ionosphere Tomography Model

Chair: Dr. Zhizhao Liu (Terramatics Systems Inc.)
Co-Chair: Dr. Attila Komjathy (JPL)
Terms of Reference: This is an effort to coordinate evaluation of existing ionosphere tomography methods, and to establish common international standards for model performance.

WG4.3.3 Numerical Weather Predictions for Positioning

Chair: Dr. Marcelo Santos (University of New Brunswick, Canada)
Co-Chair: Dr. Anna Jensen
Terms of Reference: Studies of technical aspects for NWP corrections applied to geodetic positioning, development of common terminology, and recommendations for quality control measures.