Atmospheric Measurements for Different Purposes

Meteorological measurements are performed by various types of stations, including synoptic weather and climate monitoring stations, agrometeorological stations, and stations that require meteorological data for other purposes, such as to monitor traffic or air pollution or for private use. This chapter describes the history of stations that carry out atmospheric measurements, as well as recent developments in this field, mostly involving the use of new technologies to measure meteorological parameters. The specifics of the installation of stations for different purposes and the main parameters measured are summarized. The accuracy of the atmospheric measurements and the sensor system maintenance required vary depending on the intended application of the data. Therefore, the requirements for the measured meteorological parameters may differ from those defined in the corresponding parameter-specific chapters of this Handbook.