Accurately modelling the ionosphere at high latitudes using the electron density assimilative model (EDAM)

The high latitude (>60°) ionosphere is challenging to model due to many different processes, such as the auroral oval. This creates problems using radio frequencies in the region, such as for radio communications and navigation. This paper discusses ionospheric model testing performed in the high latitude region. The models tested here are the Electron Density Assimilative Model (EDAM) and the International Reference Ionosphere - 2007 (IRI2007). Outputs from the models were compared against a truth data set to determine their respective performances. It was found that EDAM improved on IRI2007 in modelling the high latitude ionosphere.