Measurements & Data Sharing

NCAS-M Measurements

NCAS-M conducts a range of atmospheric and environmental measurements across partner institutions and field sites to support NOAA’s mission, advance scientific research, and improve forecasts. Below are some of our key measurement programs and resources.

UrbanNet Measurements


UrbanNet at Howard University is part of NOAA’s Atmospheric Research Laboratory initiative to monitor real-time air quality and meteorological conditions in urban environments.

UrbanNet instrumentation at Howard University
UrbanNet monitoring equipment at Howard University

Howard University Beltsville Measurements

Located in the I-95 corridor between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MD, the Howard University Beltsville Campus (HUBC) is uniquely positioned to study the mid-Atlantic region. HUBC hosts a wide array of instruments, including:

  • Microwave Radiometer for thermodynamic profiling
  • Ceilometer and Lufft for aerosol profiles
  • Weather balloon sondes (radiosondes, ozonesondes, Cryogen Frostpoint Hygrometers)

Since 2004, HUBC has launched ozonesondes to measure ozone concentration in the upper atmosphere. These data support studies on ozone distribution, air quality, and climate change impacts.


Ozonesonde Instruments at Howard University Beltsville Campus
Upper Air Ozone Measurements at the Howard University Beltsville Campus

Howard University Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRB) Measurements

The Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRB) in Washington, D.C., hosts major atmospheric studies over the city, including:

  • Upper air measurements of thermodynamic parameters (Microwave Radiometer)
  • Aerosol profiling (Ceilometer)
  • Rainfall measurements (Disdrometer)

NCAS-M Data Sharing and Management Plan

NCAS-M follows NOAA’s Data Management Plan to ensure that environmental datasets collected or produced by NCAS-M institutions are preserved, documented, and accessible. Without proper care, valuable data can be lost or stored with questionable quality. This plan ensures long-term integrity, discoverability, and accessibility of all NCAS-M data products.


Find out more about our data sharing policy.

Funding Acknowledgment: This research is supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA Educational Partnership Program under Agreement No. NA22SEC4810015.