The Romanian Lidar Network (ROLINET) was implemented between 2008 and 2011 as a national initiative to consolidate and develop Romania’s capabilities in lidar-based atmospheric research. The project aimed to establish a well-equipped, well-trained, and recognized network of lidar systems capable of providing continuous monitoring of the vertical distribution of aerosols in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and lower troposphere. ROLINET also aimed to act as a regional hub for a future lidar network in Southeast Europe, while integrating into existing European and global networks such as EARLINET, GAW, and GEOSS.
The network included five self-developed lidar systems distributed nationwide, optimized for aerosol monitoring, rapid detection of atmospheric intrusions caused by natural or anthropogenic hazards, and support for regional air quality forecasting. The project emphasized technological innovation, resulting in Romania’s first patented lidar system and the creation of new services such as alerts for populations and decision-makers during hazard events, as well as operational air quality forecasts.
ROLINET’s achievements included the development of a Romanian lidar system for tropospheric sounding and its technology transfer to industry, the establishment of infrastructure for nationwide stations, and the design of a monitoring, detection, communication, and alarm strategy at local, regional, and national levels. The network also generated experimental data to support scientific understanding of the planetary boundary layer dynamics in Romania and enhanced the country’s capacity for lidar-based atmospheric research.