Atmospheric aerosols, clouds, and precipitation play significant roles in the Earth’s environment and climate change. Changes in the vertical structure of the atmosphere, in particular, are crucial for understanding the triggering mechanisms and formation processes of extreme weather events. However, atmospheric data from a single region often lack representativeness, making it difficult to capture large-scale atmospheric changes. Therefore, the establishment of a large-scale ground-based atmospheric sounding network is essential for enabling real-time and continuous atmospheric monitoring. The progress of atmospheric science depends on high-quality observational data.

At present, international organizations and research institutes are actively developing ground-based atmospheric sounding networks. These networks are evolving from single, independent soundings to multi-instrument, network-based soundings, significantly expanding their observational coverage. However, some of these networks still face challenges, such as the complexity of equipment and the high costs associated with operation and maintenance. In this paper, we provide an overview of the organizational structure and development status of major ground-based atmospheric sounding networks worldwide. It also highlights the ANSO integrated atmospheric observation network (ANSO-AON) developed in China, detailing its characteristics, including scientific focus, organizational structure, station construction, instrumentation, and data products. Through specific cases, such as the smog and sandstorm in Beijing from 9 to 11 February 2022, the scientific value of the observational data is demonstrated, filling the observational gap in mid-to-high latitude regions along the Belt and Road Initiative, with important scientific and policy implications. Leveraging the advantages of miniaturization, automation, and networking, the ANSO-AON improves flexibility and efficiency in atmospheric sounding. In conclusion, the ANSO-AON offers significant benefits in terms of size, automation, and networking. The paper emphasizes the importance of strengthening observation capabilities, particularly at high latitudes, to better support global environmental and climate research, as well as efforts in climate change and environmental protection.

In the context of global climate change, enhancing atmospheric observation capabilities in mid-latitude and high-latitude regions, particularly in areas like Russia and Belarus influenced by continental climates, has become a critical focus for future development. The climate characteristics of these regions are valuable for research, yet the lack of strong atmospheric observation infrastructure has led to a significant data gap. Strengthening long-term observations in these regions will provide crucial data for global climate research and support satellite data validation. In the future, observations in these regions will fill important data gaps in global climate change research and provide more comprehensive empirical evidence to enhance the accuracy of global climate change models. The ANSO-AON has filled the data gap in traditional networks by providing continuous monitoring in mid- and high-latitude regions along the Belt and Road Initiative through its long-term stations and advanced equipment. The deployment of miniaturized equipment in these regions enables this achievement, offering valuable support for research on climate change, air quality, and environmental pollution. By utilizing miniaturized and automated observation instruments, the ANSO-AON ensures efficient data collection and real-time transmission, while maintaining the stability and reliability of its equipment, even in harsh environments. This capability has established the network as a critical foundation for global atmospheric change research and extreme weather warning systems. Furthermore, the successful deployment of these stations has fostered international cooperation among BRICS countries and deepened scientific and technological collaboration along the Belt and Road. Looking ahead, the ANSO-AON will focus on addressing multiple strategic objectives, including tackling global climate change, promoting scientific and technological innovation, and enhancing emergency response capabilities. As the challenges posed by climate change intensify and the demand for environmental protection grows, the ANSO-AON is poised to play a pivotal role in scientific research, policy formulation, and international cooperation. It will also enhance global climate system understanding, foster cross-border collaborations, and strengthen international emergency response efforts.