In 2025, increased solar activity from Solar Cycle 25 may affect GNSS signal accuracy in PIX4Dcatch, especially when paired with supported RTK devices. This article explores the potential impacts and offers strategies to mitigate them.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Understanding Solar Cycle 25
Potential Effects on GNSS Rovers and PIX4Dcatch
Mitigation Strategies for PIX4Dcatch Users
Additional resources
Solar Cycle 25, currently underway and expected to peak between 2024 and 2026, brings increased solar activity that can influence the Earth's ionosphere, potentially affecting GNSS signals utilized by applications like PIX4Dcatch. Understanding these effects and adopting best practices can help maintain data accuracy during this period.
Understanding Solar Cycle 25
The Sun undergoes an approximately 11-year cycle of magnetic activity, known as the solar cycle. Solar Cycle 25 marks the current phase, characterized by heightened solar phenomena such as flares and coronal mass ejections. These events can disturb the ionosphere, a layer of Earth's atmosphere rich in charged particles, leading to fluctuations that affect the propagation of GNSS signals.
Potential Effects on GNSS Rovers and PIX4Dcatch
Increased ionospheric activity during Solar Cycle 25 can lead to:
- Signal Delays and Errors: Enhanced ionospheric density can cause GNSS signal delays, reducing positional accuracy.
- Longer Time to Fix: Achieving a stable GNSS fix may take longer, impacting real-time data collection.
- Signal Loss or Degradation: In severe cases, GNSS signals may be lost or degraded, interrupting data capture sessions.
These effects are particularly pertinent for PIX4Dcatch users relying on high-precision GNSS data, especially when paired with a supported RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) device.
Mitigation Strategies for PIX4Dcatch Users
To minimize the impact of solar activity on GNSS rovers:
- Utilize Multi-Constellation Receivers: To enhance signal reliability, employ devices capable of accessing multiple GNSS constellations (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou).
- Schedule Data Collection Wisely: Plan fieldwork during periods of lower solar activity, typically in the early morning or late evening, and avoid times of known solar events.
- Monitor Space Weather: Stay informed about solar activity forecasts through reputable sources to anticipate potential disruptions.
- Maintain Equipment: Ensure that your GNSS equipment and software are up-to-date with firmware to benefit from the latest improvements in signal processing and error correction.
- Conduct Redundant Measurements: In areas prone to signal disruption, consider taking multiple measurements to verify data accuracy.
By understanding the potential impacts of Solar Cycle 25 and implementing these mitigation strategies, PIX4Dcatch users can continue to collect accurate and reliable geospatial data throughout this period of increased solar activity.
Additional resources
NOAA: Space Weather Prediction Center