Markov models are used to solve challenging pattern recognition problems on the basis of sequential data as, e.g., automatic speech or handwriting recognition. This comprehensive introduction to the Markov modeling framework describes both the underlying theoretical concepts of Markov models - covering Hidden Markov models and Markov chain models - as used for sequential data and presents the techniques necessary to build successful systems for practical applications.Additionally, the actual use of the technology in the three main application areas of pattern recognition methods based on Markov- Models - namely speech recognition, handwriting recognition, and biological sequence analysis - are demonstrated.