A short review of nitrogen isotope studies as related to atmospheric compounds is presented. Methods utilized for the collection and conversion of various nitrogen containing compounds found in the atmosphere to N, suitable for mass spectrometric measurement are described. Preliminary results obtained on the concentration of and 16N/'4N ratio in N, from NH:, NOC, N,O and NO, in air and other samples are given and the results with respect to NH: and NO; in precipitation are discussed briefly.