We discuss schemes for velocimetry and accelerometry using a simple and robust single-state atom interferometer that can become the basis for quantum sensors with applications in navigation and remote sensing. These techniques rely on the observation of a density grating formed in the atomic ground state of a laser-cooled sample following the application of a standing-wave (sw) optical excitation pulse.  Motional properties of the sample, including the velocity distribution and local value of gravitational acceleration (g), are imprinted on the grating as it falls in a gravitational field.   The gratings, which are the result of Kapitza-Dirac diffraction of momentum-states, dephase according to their velocity distribution. Information encoded in matter wave interference patterns can be extracted by back-scattering a travelling wave read-out field within the coherence time of the sample and recording the grating free-induction decay (FID).