Application of remote sensing and measurement methods in meteorology is becoming more essential, as such methods can provide additional important information to help our understanding of issues related to air pollution and global warming. In this paper, the method of optical thickness measurement using sky radiometer is reviewed. From long term autonomous monitoring, one could identify the growing air pollution problem in the Pearl River Delta region. Laser radar (Lidar) is a modern remote sensing instrument that is capable of providing continuous monitoring atmospheric boundary layer characteristics by providing measurements of parameters such as aerosol concentrations, mixing layer heights, cloud heights and total optical thickness in the troposphere. The utilization of such measurements could be utilized in weather numerical models for improved weather prediction as well as fine tuning coupling parameters between meteorological variables and air quality. Efficient method of monitoring nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere using sunlight as a stable radiation source has been implemented. Such small portable spectrometer can be deployed from the ground as well as on small single-engine airplane. Examples of large area ground monitoring to flight monitoring are given for monitoring of total column density of nitrogen dioxides. In the near future when a network of such instruments is in place, our knowledge of air quality prediction and management can be improved. Field campaign using small aircraft will also help to obtain additional tempo-spatial knowledge for studying episodic events.