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Techniques for improved use of topside ionosphere observations within the Air Weather Service (AWS) 4D ionosphere model system are investigated. Topside observations are available at the Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC) from the Topside Ionospheric Plasma Monitor (SSIE) on the Block 5D DMSP satellites. The investigations cover three study areas: 10 improvements to the topside ionospheric electron density profile model used within the 4D model, 2) improvements to the ionospheric data preprocessors in the 4D model system, and 3) improvements to the 4D model. Results are presented for tasks completed and in progress. An evaluation of the topside parametrization used within the International Reference Ionosphere showed it inappropriate for use in the 4D model. This led to initial development of an alternative topside parametrization based on the O+ to H+ transition height. The current SSIE Ne (840) data preprocessor (program SSIELD) was evaluated and found to be deficient in several areas, so work was begun on developing improvements for this program. Improvements developed for the 4D model included definition of procedures to configure the model for a full global analysis and the development of procedures to construct 4D model height functions from sets of model electron density profiles. (Author)