Ionospheric Effect on position solution accuracy using NavIC

Abstract

NavIC is India's own regional satellite-based navigation system that operates in L5 and in the unique S-band of frequencies. Still now, NavIC single point positioning is done and NavIC PPP or RTK is not availabel. Therefore, to find out a method for obtaining the best possible solution quality using NavIC dual frequency operation, this paper studies the ionospheric delay in L5 and S bands and the associated dual-frequency position solution qualities from two locations in eastern India. It is seen that the ionospheric delay (ionodelay) values are least during early morning hours (3–6 am IST) and the ionodelay values are less in S-Band. The solution qualities are also found to be the best during that same time span as observed through repeated data for several days. Till the availability of NavIC PPP, differential NavIC or NavIC RTK, therefore, for obtaining the best possible precise location solution in NavIC standalone mode, data should be collected during 3–6 am IST.