The ionosphere affects the electromagnetic wave propagation and then its study is important for Earth-Earth, satellite-Earth, and satellite-satellite communication purposes. Diffractive and refractive processes due to irregular electron density structures cause signal fluctuations that can disrupt satellite-ground communications and represent a hazard for navigation systems. The study and the real-time monitoring of the ionosphere are important for Space Weather purposes. The ionospheric vertical sounding is described, together with the automatic scaling of the ionograms.UnpublishedRome2A. Fisica dell'alta atmosferaope