An overview is presented on modeling alternatives. The work is devoted to provide a general orientation on the subject to novices and non-specialists in the field. The problem of upper atmosphere modeling is presented as well as the basic trends followed to solve the equations employed for this purpose. It is shown that according to these trends the methods can be classified as analytical-empirical, integral transform and numerical. The essentials of these three categories are discussed and commented upon. A brief account of their historical evolution is also included. It allows the reader to observe that, in spite of the present sophistication, the foundations on which the methods are grounded remain unchanged.
Atmospheric modeling; Thermospheric modeling Ionospheric modeling
