[en] 'Radiation monitoring' is understood to comprise all activities leading to the prompt quantitative and qualitative comprehension and evaluation of locally limited contamination situations due to diverse causes. The results of 'radiation monitoring' form the basis for the establishment of the kind and scope of protective measures to be taken on behalf of the persons concerned or the population in general. Generally, areas easily accessible by car or by foot, as well as urban areas, should be rather monitored by ground survey, while remote areas hardly accessible by car or by foot should by monitored from the air. Monitoring procedures and monitoring methods preferred for a certain area in the case of emergency should already now be defined in emergency plans. To assure the quick and easy availability of staff and of the required equipment and vehicles, as well as their precise and rational employment, the training and practice activities have to be designed according to these plans. A up-to-date digital communication and evaluation system would be of advantage. (author)