Degradation of navigational accuracy with globalpositioning system during periods of scintillation at equatorial latitudes

Abstract

The effect of ionospheric scintillation on navigational accuracy with the GPS (global positioning system) in the equatorial region is presented. The accuracy of position fixing with the GPS as indicated by the PDOP (position dilution of precision) factor is degraded when the raypath from the satellite shows deep fading. It is understood that navigation, particularly using a moderately sophisticated GPS receiver, in the equatorial zone will be severely affected during maximum sunspot number years.