Randomized trial evaluates global positioning accuracy using the IRI-Plas 2020 model, indicating improved accuracy with GIM assimilation.
Key Points
This research aims to evaluate the global accuracy and positioning performance of the IRI-Plas 2020 ionospheric model under different solar activities.
Utilized GNSS-derived VTEC from 124 globally distributed stations during low and high solar activity.
Assessed IRI-Plas 2020 with and without GIM TEC assimilation.
Conducted single point positioning (SPP) experiments over selected windows in 2024.
GIM TEC assimilation improved VTEC accuracy, reducing mean RMSE from 4.999 TECU to 1.827 TECU in 2021.
In 2024, RMSE decreased from 7.847 TECU to 2.369 TECU, showing a 70% reduction.
GIM-assimilated configuration outperformed the Klobuchar model, reducing 3D positioning RMSE by 34%–41% during quiet conditions.