History and Uses of the Ionospheric, Thermospheric, and Atmospheric Data Base

Abstract

A short chronicle of data collection in the ionosphere, thermosphere and atmosphere is given, highlighting the different measurement techniques and their effect on the overall data volume. Several data sources and their uses are discussed in greater detail, including the data obtained by the worldwide ionosonde network, by the incoherent scatter radars, by the Alouette and ISIS topside sounders, and by the Atmosphere Explorer satellite. The need for continuous monitoring from ground and space is stressed, as well as the need for preservation of older data records and their full scientific exploitation.