A state-of-the-art review of laser methods for sounding wind velocity on the basis of the statistical data on lidar returns backscattered by atmospheric aerosols is given. Fluctuations of aerosol inhomogeneity optical characteristics up to the 5-km altitude are discussed. The methods of interest are shown to be applicable to laser sensing of slightly turbid atmosphere and cloud bases. Described are lidar systems designed to measure wind velocity profiles for horizontal and vertical atmospheric paths and along a certain direction chosen.