Development of an integrated meteorological observation system in China

Meteorological observation technology serves as a foundational pillar of contemporary atmospheric science, which has propelled the development of atmospheric science and the advancement of related services. During the initial formation period of modern meteorological science in China in the 1920s, the older generation of meteorologists proposed that the purpose of the Meteorological Society is "to seek the progress of meteorological science and the development of meteorological observation undertakings". The meteorological observation system has experienced a leap-forward development from rudimentary inception to automated operations and from surface to space. A relatively complete diversified observation system has been formed, covering surface observations, upper-air soundings, satellite remote sensing, and other aspects. The progress of science and technology has driven a continuous development of meteorological observation, significantly improving the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasting. This article provides an overview of the development history, current status, and future development trends of the meteorological observation system from eight aspects, including surface observations, upper-air soundings, marine observations, space weather observations, weather radars, meteorological satellites, and ground- and air-based remote sensing systems. As an important innovative driving force for the development of meteorological observation technology and the research of atmospheric sounding methods as well as the construction of observing equipment systems, meteorological observation field experiments have played an important leading and technical supporting role in the upgrade of observation systems. Therefore, this article also briefly introduces the situation of multi-source comprehensive observation and large-scale field experiments in China. The meteorological observation systems are not only an application of current engineering technologies, but also a scientific discipline itself that is full of unknown scientific problems, technical challenges, and development in application fields. With advances in observation technology and application of high-precision sensors and more advanced remote sensing equipments, the existing observation equipment needs to be continuously upgraded to stay at the forefront of technology and ensure the accuracy of data. The meteorological observation systems are developing in the direction of greater intelligence, three-dimensionality, and global integration, while frontier technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology will play important roles in the future development of meteorological observation systems.