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Project Overview
The “Validating Algorithms for Single Ionogram Detection of Ionospheric Irregularities” (VASIDII) project aims to advance the scientific excellence of the Cyprus Ionospheric Research Group (CyIRG) at the Frederick Research Center (FRC) in the field of ionospheric monitoring and space weather research.
The project focuses on the design, development, and validation of innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms for the identification of ionospheric irregularities on single ionograms, including Multi-reflected echoes (MREs), satellite traces (STs), and fork trace signatures. These irregularities are associated with Medium Scale Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances (MSTIDs), which can affect critical navigation, positioning, and communication systems such as EGNOS, Network Real-Time Kinematic (N-RTK) services, and High Frequency (HF) communications.
VASIDII facilitates near real-time monitoring and nowcasting of MSTID activity over the Cyprus Digisonde and other European Digisonde stations through advanced ionogram processing methodologies and AI-based detection techniques. The project also exploits the capabilities of the first European mid-latitude SuperDARN system (CyDARN), currently under deployment in Cyprus, whose field of view covers a significant part of Europe and supports the validation of MSTID detection on a pan-European scale.
Through the collaboration between Frederick Research Center (FRC) and Cloudwater Ltd (CW), the project combines Digisonde observations with GNSS-based ionospheric monitoring techniques, utilizing CW’s low-cost GNSS network for validation activities. Ultimately, VASIDII aims to strengthen Cyprus’ capabilities in ionospheric and space weather monitoring, contribute to the development of innovative operational services for Europe, and support future Horizon Europe initiatives related to ionospheric weather monitoring and space weather applications.
JOURNALS
(To Be Updated)
PROJECT STRUCTURE
The VASIDII project is structured into six interconnected Work Packages (WP), covering management, dissemination, research, algorithm development, validation activities, and the preparation of a Horizon Europe proposal.”
WP1 – Project Management
Focuses on the efficient administrative, operational, and financial management of the project, ensuring coordination between partners, quality assurance, risk management, and communication with the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).
WP2 – Dissemination and Communication Activities
Aims to maximize the visibility, impact, dissemination, and exploitation of project results through communication activities, stakeholder engagement, awareness campaigns, publications, and the development of dissemination and exploitation strategies.
WP3 – Coordination of Horizon Europe Proposal
Focuses on the preparation, coordination, and submission of a competitive Horizon Europe proposal by building a strong European consortium and leveraging the scientific and technological outcomes of VASIDII.
WP4 – Irregularity Identification Algorithms
Involves the design, implementation, testing, and validation of AI-based algorithms capable of detecting ionogram irregularities such as satellite traces (STs), Multi-reflected echoes (MREs), and fork trace signatures associated with MSTID activity.
WP5 – GNSS Regional Validation
Concentrates on the regional validation of the developed algorithms using Cyprus Digisonde ionograms and GNSS-derived detrended Total Electron Content (dTEC) maps generated from the Cloudwater GNSS network.
WP6 – CyDARN Pan-European Validation
Focuses on the pan-European validation of the developed algorithms using CyDARN radar observations and independent ionospheric monitoring techniques, including GNSS receivers, all-sky imagers, and Ionospheric Weather Expert Service Centre (I-ESC) products.
GENERAL PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the “Validating Algorithms for Single Ionogram Detection of Ionospheric Irregularities” (VASIDII) project is to advance the scientific excellence of the Cyprus Ionospheric Research Group (CyIRG) at the Frederick Research Center (FRC) in the field of ionospheric monitoring and space weather research.
The project aims to design, develop, test, and validate novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies and irregularity identification algorithms capable of detecting signatures of Medium Scale Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances (MSTIDs) manifested on ionograms in the form of satellite traces (STs), Multi-reflected echoes (MREs), and fork trace signatures. These algorithms will facilitate near real-time monitoring and nowcasting of MSTID activity over the Cyprus Digisonde and other European Digisonde stations.
VASIDII will exploit Digisonde ionograms, GNSS-based monitoring techniques, and the capabilities of the first European mid-latitude SuperDARN system (CyDARN), currently under deployment in Cyprus, to support the validation of MSTID detection over both Cyprus and Europe. Through the collaboration between Frederick Research Center (FRC) and Cloudwater Ltd (CW), the project will integrate ionogram observations with GNSS-derived detrended Total Electron Content (dTEC) mapping techniques in order to improve the identification and monitoring of ionospheric irregularities.
The project also aims to enhance the visibility, scientific potential, operational capabilities, and networking activities of CyIRG through the development of innovative ionospheric monitoring methodologies and the preparation of a future Horizon Europe proposal under Cluster “Digital, Industry and Space” of Pillar II. Ultimately, VASIDII seeks to contribute to the development of operational services for ionospheric weather monitoring and to strengthen collaborations with European research organizations and infrastructures involved in space weather and ionospheric monitoring activities.
RESEARCHERS
- Haris Haralambous HO (FRC) Male
- Theodoros Leontiou HO (FRC) Male
- Krishnendu Sekhar Paul HO (FRC) Male
- Christina Oikonomou PA1(CW) Female