For this reason, monitoring air quality requires sophisticated instruments and procedures. For instance, an air quality technologist may use cameras, sampling devices, and analysis instruments carried aboard an aircraft to survey large areas of the atmosphere as part of a scientific investigation. In addition to collecting air samples, the technologist monitors and adjusts the equipment to make sure that it is operating properly. If it isn't, the information gathered may not be reliable. Air quality technologists may go by a variety of names, including emission technologist or inspector, instrument technologist, air monitoring specialist, air quality meteorologist or simply environmental technologist.
Meteorological technicians observe, record and interpret weather and atmospheric conditions.
Mapping technologists prepare maps that interpret data gathered by airborne and remote sensing equipment. A number of civil engineering technologists have specialized in providing technical support for the scientists and engineers who design air monitoring systems. Clearly, the more air quality technicians are able to tell us about the current state of our environment, the better we'll be prepared to prevent air pollution problems and assist in developing better pollution control technologies. They provide hands-on and practical training to deal with pollution problems and environmental issues. Chemical technologies programs provide training in chemistry, analytical and laboratory techniques, biochemistry and chemical engineering principles.