Interactive framework for the enhanced exploration, interpretation and scientific analysis of spatio-temporal and volumetric ionospheric data

We present an efficient and interactive framework for the enhanced exploration, interpretation and scientific analysis of spatio-temporal and volumetric ionospheric data. The strategy is targeted at the monitoring process of adaptive experiments, offering a fast decision-making through real-time data processing, employing a wide range of tools in order to interpret ionospheric data. In our computational module, high-resolution and smooth ionospheric volume images are generated from Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) data, which implements a flexible mesh generator along with an efficient interpolator specialized for ISR technologies. 

 

Our strategy had the original motivation of processing data from the upcoming EISCAT_3D in the northern Fennoscandia region. Currently, the project integrates complementary instruments, like radars, optical imagers, and ground-based magnetic measurements. In particular, the input data from the Auroral Large Image System 4D (ALIS_4D) multi-wavelength auroral imager network. Near real-time exchange of information between scientific infrastructures such as ALIS_4D and EISCAT_3D combined with machine learning, enables adaptative automated experiment selection and control based on scientific conditions. This also requires fast, flexible and user friendly data-visualisation.

 

Our novel framework supports the interactive visual analysis implementing a visualization module for displaying the output and context of the ionospheric data. In the current version, we include corresponding tomographic reconstructions of 3D auroral structures, which are used along reconstructed ISR volumetric images. Furthermore, volumetric images are post-processed for an efficient estimation of ionospheric conductivities and complementary ionospheric parameters.