Impact of temporal resolution in global ionospheric models on satellite positioning during low and high solar activity years of solar cycle 24

Abstract The ionosphere, partially ionized by solar radiation, is rich in free electrons and ions, affecting satellite navigation signals by altering their speed and path. This interaction often leads to signal delays of 5–10 m, complicating accurate positioning in satellite-based systems. This paper investigates the influence of global ionospheric models (GIMs) with varying Temporal Resolutions (TR) on satellite positioning accuracy and convergence time under different solar activities, represented by the years 2009 (low solar activity) and 2014 (high solar activity). The study utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) data from three GIMs: CODG, representing the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE) GNSS model with a 2-h TR; bcom, with a 1-h TR; and b5mg, with a 5-min TR. Analysis was conducted using the GNSS Analysis Software for Multi-constellation and Multi-frequency Precise Positioning across 46 international GNSS service stations under single and dual-frequency strategies. The results indicate that precise point positioning convergence time improved by approximately 18 % and 78 % using single and dual frequencies, depending on the GIM applied. Consequently, positioning accuracy after convergence improved by about 16 % and 27 % in the horizontal and up components for ionospheric-constrained single-frequency PPP models and by 68 % and 79 % in the horizontal and up components for dual-frequency PPP models. Furthermore, vertical total electron content analysis at the MARS station revealed significant variations correlating with solar activity, underscoring the importance of selecting appropriate GIMs for accurate GNSS positioning. Future studies, including multi-solar events, are recommended for comprehensive analysis.