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Air quality studies on a broad variety of topics from health impacts to source/sink analyses, require information on the distributions of atmospheric aerosols over both altitude and time. An inexpensive, simple to implement, ground-based optical remote sensing technique has been developed to assess aerosol distributions. The technique, called CLidar (Charge Coupled Device Camera Light Detection and Ranging), provides aerosol altitude profiles over time. In the CLidar technique a relatively low-power laser transmits light vertically into the atmosphere. The transmitted laser light scatters off of air molecules, clouds, and aerosols. The entire beam from ground to zenith is imaged using a CCD camera and wide-angle (100 degree) optics which are a few hundred meters from the laser. The CLidar technique is optimized for low altitude (boundary layer and lower troposphere) measurements where most aerosols are found and where many other profiling techniques face difficulties. Currently the technique is limited to nighttime measurements. Using the CLidar technique aerosols may be mapped over both altitude and time. The instrumentation required is portable and can easily be moved to locations of interest (e.g. downwind from factories or power plants, near highways). This paper describes the CLidar technique, implementation and data analysis and offers specifics for users wishing to apply the technique for aerosol profiles. Implications Air quality studies require information on atmospheric aerosols over both altitude and time. A new inexpensive, simple, ground-based optical remote sensing technique assesses aerosol distributions. In the technique, called CLidar, a laser transmits light vertically into the nighttime atmosphere. The laser light scatters off of air molecules, clouds, and aerosols and the entire beam is imaged using a CCD camera and wide-angle optics. CLidar is optimized for boundary layer measurements where most aerosols are found. The instrumentation is portable and can easily be moved to locations of interest (e.g., downwind from factories or power plants, near highways). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]