Patent ID: 7623065
Filing Date: 2009-11-24
Classification: G01S,G01W

Abstract:
1. A method of determining refractivity properties of the Earth's atmosphere using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, the method comprising: providing a plurality of antenna elements configured to measure an actual arrival angle of a GNSS signal, the antenna elements mounted on a platform and separated by a predetermined vertical distance; providing a receiver device, the receiver device being coupled to each of the plurality of antenna elements and configured to compute a nominal arrival angle of the GNSS signal based on data transmitted from a source of the GNSS signal; receiving the GNSS signal at each of the plurality of antenna elements; measuring an actual arrival angle of the GNSS signal using the plurality of antenna elements; determining a difference between the nominal arrival angle of the GNSS signal and the actual arrival angle of GNSS signal; calculating a refractive bending angle of the GNSS signal based on the determined difference between the actual and nominal GNSS arrival angles; and transforming the refractive bending angle of the GNSS signal into a profile of physical properties of the atmosphere.