Trace

HF Ray Tracing Toolkit for Ionospheric Studies

TRACE is a Python-first workflow for ionospheric density modeling, PHaRLAP coupling, and both 2D and 3D HF ray-path analysis.

Beta Status (Updated March 10, 2026)

TRACE is in active development. Documentation and APIs may change as features are added, validated, and refactored.

Trace is an open-source Python-based application designed for precision ionospheric HF radio tracing, with a strong focus on analyzing the phase characteristics of radio echoes. Tailored for Space Weather applications, trace offers a suite of unique tools that help extract valuable insights directly and autonomously from ionogram data.

Designed as a comprehensive toolbox, trace empowers researchers to understand HF ray-path efficiently, providing reliable, insights into ionospheric conditions and phenomena. Whether you're focused on space weather forecasting, radio communication, or scientific exploration, trace is your go-to tool for precision ionospheric HF-tracing analysis.

Source Code

The library source code can be found on the trace GitHub repository.

If you have any questions or concerns please submit an Issue on the trace GitHub repository.

Documentation Links

Installation Setup guidance and environment requirements.
Open Installation

Configuration Reference for bundled 2D/3D JSON templates and fields.
Open Configuration

Examples Practical workflows including RT1D tracer studies and PHaRLAP + IRI runs.
Open Examples

API Reference Module, class, and method reference pages.
Open API

Citing & Authors Citation guidance and contributor listing.
Citing | Authors