Abstract
The remote sensing applications of laser systems for monitoring environmental parameters are reviewed in this paper. The principles and the basic performance of the laser sensor schemes are classified and compared. The present state of the art of the laser remote sensing techniques and applications are discussed for principal systems i.e., the Mie scattering laser radars, the Rayleigh and resonant scattering laser radars, the differential absorption laser radars (DIAL), the long path absorption sensors, the laser fluorescence sensors and the coherent laser radars. These techniques cover the multi-dimentional measurements of meteorological and pollution parameters of lower and upper atmosphere as well as hydrographic and agricultural environments. Future possibilities and requirements of research and development of the laser remote sensing techniques are discussed.
