Single-photon detection (SPD) lidar is an innovative technology designed to detect weak light levels, enabling the detection and counting of single photons. This lidar system offers outstanding features, including high resolution, high accuracy, and continuous data acquisition. Unlike traditional lidar systems, SPD lidar reconstructs the discrete waveform of echo photons through time integration, enabling it to capture reflected signals from various atmospheric components. It is capable of detecting aerosols, clouds, greenhouse gases, wind fields, atmospheric density, and visibility. This research highlights SPD technology and summarizes its atmospheric applications and advancements worldwide. SPD lidar presents significant engineering prospects and plays an increasingly important role in atmospheric sounding. Finally, future trends in the development of this lidar technology are discussed.