What is the data collecting method for ionospheric data, solar activity, etc. to evaluate performance?
A. WAAS will collect GPS data at the reference stations. The system will then be able to estimate the amount of signal delay and error that is the result of the ionospheric and/or solar activity. This information is then passed onto the user as a part of the WAAS navigation message. The GPS Product Team is currently developing requirements for a performance evaluation system to monitor how well WAAS is accounting for these and other sources of delay/error. In addition, ionospheric data is collected and archived by the NSTB for analysis of scintillation and range delay effects by experts in the ionospheric field.
