Real-time ionospheric N(h) profile updating over Europe using IRI-2000 model

In this paper a method for real-time updating of ionospheric electron density profile, N(h), over Europe using an ionospheric model and real-time measurements at ionosonde locations is presented. The N(h) profile update over European area has been simulated with the IRI-2000 ionospheric model and real-time N(h) profiles obtained from the EU COST271 Action Space Weather Database. Preliminary findings are shown for the geomagnetically quiet day on 4 May 2003 and disturbed day on 24 May 2002. Results are discussed in the context of real-time N(h) profile updating capabilities and effectiveness.