Numerous studies and simulations have indicated that great scientific, financial, and humanitarian benefit will result from global measurements of tropospheric wind profiles. The USA and other countries are in the process of developing technologies and defining science requirements for this measurements. The most promising technology is pulsed Doppler lidar technology.

The successful connection of technological capability and science requirement will occur most expeditiously and efficiently if there exists a good understanding of the characterisics, limitations, and possible trades of the Doppler lidar measurements. Space remote sensing began with passive instrumentation, and has proceeded to incorporate active radar sensors. The Doppler lidar measurements are sufficiently different from these forerunners that much of the terminology and figures of merit that are commonly used do not readily apply to Doppler lidar winds.

We will attempt to outline the characteristics of the Doppler lidar wind measurements, explain the shortcomings of conventional remote sensing terminology, and indicate the scientific trades available within the capability of the technology.