Comparison of Global Vertical Total Electron Content from Various Global Data Centers

Abstract

In this study, the inter-comparison of various global vertical total electron contents are derived from Global Positioning System (GPS) networks worldwide. Based on observation data obtained from global network of dual frequency, the ionospheric variability on one full year, 2008 is studied through the vertical electron conten distribution GPS. The comparisons are aimed at comparability of the different vertical total electron content data sets in terms of absolute magnitude, capturing diurnal, seasonal variability globally. Total electron content (TEC) values were compared by computing the TEC differences among different stations. Most of the data sets exhibit expected diurnal variability with some differences on the absolute magnitude of vertical total electron content moreover, seasonally, the variability is also comparable. In this observation, highest vertical electron contents are observed on the Jet prolusion laboratory. It is followed by International global service, vertical total electron content and the least is observed on the Polytechnical University data sets.