ISINGLASS Campaign Data Mapping and Assimilation

Existing auroral data products can be insufficient as simulation input on small (sub kilometer) spatial scale and high (second) time resolution near the boundaries of arc structures. Ideally, two-dimensional data maps of the relevant parameters over these small scales would provide model inputs sufficient to characterize auroral arc behavior. Typically available in situ data have the time and spatial resolution for small scale features, but only provide a 1-d cut through the structure. Groundbased data can provide 2-d time-varying maps, but are typically much lower resolution in time and space than is required to accurately interpret the small scale structure near an arc. A method to construct two-dimensional maps of data from the combination of one-dimensional in situ cuts with groundbased (2-d and time) camera imagery is presented, in order to provide a 2-d map of ionospheric flows for use in model comparisons. The model input is generated by taking the mapped flow field data and applying a divergence-free fitting routine. Comparison of the generated 2-d data maps and available information from camera inversions and other data products are shown. Reconstructed flow maps are shown to capture the small scale features near arc boundaries, and to follow the time evolution of the arc structure by comparisons to imagery. This process quantifies the errors made in auroral arc data analysis when presuming quasi-static sheet like arcs, a common assumption. Assessments of the reconstruction are made by comparing reconstructed maps of energy flux and flow, to imagery generated maps, and to PFISR line-of-sight velocity maps.