Measurement platform | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|
Surface stations | Cheap to buildEasy to maintainDirect measurements with relatively
simple instruments | Mainly concentrated in populated
regions of landRestricted to near-surface
measurementsConcern whether measurements at
different sites are made consistently |
Satellites | Global coverageRapid access to images recorded
at the same time but at different
frequenciesTop-down viewpoint | Indirect, remote measurementsExpensive to build, launch and
operateLimited weight and power supply for
instruments |
Radiosondes and aircraft | Direct measurements made in the
atmosphereInstruments can be manually operated
(aircraft)Less restricted in weight and power
than satellite instruments | Limited coverage and altitude rangeRestricted number of launch sites for
radiosondesAircraft limited to commercial routes
or a few research flights |