Validating and comparing Total Electron Content estimates from Incoherent Scatter Radar and Global Positioning System

Abstract: This thesis aims to analyze the possibilities to use Incoherent Scatter Radar to measure Total Electron Content in the ionosphere. By comparing the results from EISCATselectron density data over altitude and time to Total Electron Content estimates from GPS satellites and their receivers through a climatology as well as qualitative analysis for separate EISCAT experiments a comparison between the two is conducted. In general,there is a relatively close correlation between the characteristics of the results of the separate techniques, while the magnitude between them varies significantly due to several variables. The usage of the Total Electron Content values from Incoherent Scatter radar without consideration of the measuring techniques and conditions should be avoided. Rather this data should be used as a complement to both the already sophisticated electron density data and the well-established GPS monitoring of Total Electron Content.