An overview is provided of the planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) method, which currently allows simultaneous combustion measurements at more than 105 flowfield points. Important advantages of the method include its relatively high signal strength, ease of interpretation, and applicability for determining several flowfield variables (including concentration, temperature, velocity, pressure and density). Example results are shown for a turbulent non-premixed flame, a spray flame, a rod-stabilized premixed flame, and a diffusion flame from a fuel jet in cross-flow. © 1990 Springer-Verlag.