Software prototype for the Galileo ionospheric correction model: progress report

Abstract

The document describing the particular ionospheric model developed for the Galileo satellite navigation system has been officially released [1]. Its publication allows GNSS receiver manufacturers to start the implementation of the specific algorithm targeted for their Galileo related products in order to be compliant with the Galileo system. Some of such implementations have already been supported by Unit G05 (now E.2) in the framework of an on-going support activity under the EU GNSS Programmes with DG GROW and GSA, responding to inquiries from the receiver manufacturers Broadcom and Javad. The only way to support the development of the new Galileo ionospheric correction in an efficient and timely manner is to have our own developed model as an official Galileo Programme reference (i.e. the European Commission) product to assess and help correcting external implementations, which will definitely have a direct impact on industry and, in return, society. Once the JRC NeQuickG product is available, further developments have been already foreseen: optimize the algorithm and tailor it to the needs of the various users, notably in terms of accuracy. This particular report includes a description of the JRC NeQuick source code (JRC NeQuickG) and comments on the challenges faced to implement it. Emphasis on the System Architecture is put in order to help any potential follow up of this project in the near future.