Observing wind Movement of air is known as wind. It can flow from any direction from horizontal to vertical depending on the energy balance.
Wind can also curve or even rotate.
Examples of rotating air are tornadoes and dust devils. Wind speed and direction is measured by anemometers which vary in accuracy. It is sufficient to use the eight points of the compass as a basis for determination of wind direction. Wind direction is noted from where it approaches, not where it is heading. There are many different types of instruments that measure wind speed and direction.