What is Lidar scanning?

LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging.

• It works by shooting out tiny pulses of infrared light (lasers).

• Each pulse bounces back when it hits a surface.

• The device measures the time it takes to return → this gives the distance to that surface.

• Millions of these measurements build up a point cloud = a digital 3D map of the environment or object.

LiDAR captures the shape of real objects in 3D, with depth and scale, not just flat photos.

Artists use LiDAR scanning to:

• Capture sculptures, costumes, installations, or landscapes as precise 3D models.

• Create digital doubles of their work for archiving or documentation.

• Remix physical works in VR/AR, projection mapping, or dataflow software like TouchDesigner.

• Use scans as a starting point for fabrication (3D printing, CNC, etc.).

It’s not about photorealistic color but about geometry—a solid spatial “skeleton” you can texture, render, or transform artistically.