An AERONET workshop on instrument installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and data analysis was organized in India in February 2026. The workshop aimed to strengthen the operational capacity of AERONET site managers and researchers by providing hands-on training on Cimel sunphotometer operation and the usage of AERONET data. The training was jointly conducted by Dr. Pawan Gupta, AERONET Lead at NASA, and Amit Bhujel from the Asia Pacific Aeronet Calibration and Training Center (APAC). Dr. Gupta covered the scientific aspects of AERONET and the usage of its data products, while Amit Bhujel focused on instrumentation, installation procedures, and troubleshooting of the Cimel sunphotometer.
Workshop Session
The workshop began with a formal session where the organizers welcomed the participants and introduced the objectives of the training program. Researchers, site managers, and students involved in aerosol observations and remote sensing participated in the workshop.
During the training session, Dr. Pawan Gupta introduced the participants to the AERONET program, its global network, and the working principles of the Cimel sunphotometer. He also guided the participants through the AERONET website, demonstrating how to access instrument status, download aerosol data products, and visualize the data. In addition, he shared example codes that can be used to analyze AERONET data and combine it with other satellite and remote-sensing datasets to better understand aerosol distribution and atmospheric processes.
Instrument Installation and Maintenance Training
The instrumentation session was conducted by Amit Bhujel from APAC. He provided a detailed overview of the Cimel sunphotometer system and demonstrated the procedures for proper installation and alignment of the instrument. The session also covered routine maintenance practices required to maintain high-quality data collection.
Participants were introduced to common operational issues that may arise during instrument operation and the recommended troubleshooting steps. Through hands-on practice, participants learned how to inspect the mechanical components of the instrument, check cable connections, verify robot movement, and ensure the system is operating correctly.
Hands-on Demonstration
A practical session was organized to allow participants to practice the installation and maintenance procedures directly. During this session, participants gained experience in handling the instrument components and performing the routine checks required for maintaining data quality.
The hands-on demonstration helped the participants better understand the operational aspects of the Cimel sunphotometer and provided them with practical knowledge on how to diagnose and resolve common problems that may occur during field operation.
Discussion and Technical Support
In addition to the training sessions, discussions were held with site managers and researchers regarding the operational status of AERONET instruments installed at various sites. Participants shared their experiences and challenges related to instrument operation and data management. The AERONET team provided guidance and recommendations to address these issues and improve site performance.
Conclusion
The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for researchers and site managers to enhance their technical understanding of AERONET instruments and data products. Through the combination of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, participants gained practical knowledge on instrument installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
It is expected that the training will help site managers maintain their instruments more effectively, quickly resolve frequently occurring issues, and follow the operational guidelines provided by the AERONET and APAC teams when major problems arise. In addition, the participants are expected to make better use of the AERONET website and data products for aerosol research and atmospheric studies.
Leave a Reply