Lidar or laser radar, the depth-resolved remote measurement of atmospheric parameters with optical means, has become an important tool in the field of atmospheric and environmental remote sensing. In this volume the latest progress in the development of Lidar methods, experiments, and applications is described. The content is based on selected and thoroughly refereed papers presented at the 18th International Laser Radar Conference, Berlin, 22 - 26 July 1996. The book is divided into six parts which cover the topics of tropospheric aerosols and clouds, Lidar in space, wind, water vapor, troposheric trace gases and plumes, and stratospheric and mesospheric profiling. As a supplement to fundamental LIDAR textbooks this volume may serve as a guide through the blossoming field of modern Lidar techniques.