Showcasing the 2.5KM range from the RIEGL VZ-2000i Terrestrial Laser Scanner
In a groundbreaking presentation at Geo Week 2025, Pete Kelsey of VCTO Labs showcased an extraordinary LiDAR expedition to Alcatraz, captured through the advanced technology of RIEGL, alongside other leading laser scanner manufacturers. The presentation, highlighted by an exclusive video, offered a detailed look at the historic landmark like never before.
Main Feature:
- Exclusive Video Presentation: The captivating video, available here, takes viewers on a virtual journey through Alcatraz, revealing intricate details of the island and its structures captured through RIEGL LiDAR and in collaboration with other project participants.
Key Highlights Presented at Geo Week 2025:
- Brief History and Current Condition of Alcatraz: The presentation delved into the infamous prison’s storied past and its current state, providing a comprehensive overview of its significance.
- Project Scope and Mission: Kelsey explained the ambitious goals behind the project, emphasizing the importance of preserving Alcatraz for future generations.
- Preservation Goals and Future Tourism Potential: The data collected through this expedition is expected to play a crucial role in preservation efforts and enhance the island’s tourism potential.
- Technologies Used: The presentation highlighted the use of RIEGL‘s VZ-600i and VZ-2000i terrestrial scanners, which were instrumental in capturing both the interior and exterior of Alcatraz, in parallel with several other notable laser scanner manufacturers.
- Data Processing: Attendees were given insights into how various data sets were meticulously merged to create a comprehensive deliverable.
- Fun Tales: Kelsey shared engaging anecdotes from the RIEGL team’s overnight stay at Alcatraz, adding a personal touch to the technical presentation.
The session at Geo Week 2025 underscored the unique gathering of technology and talent involved in this project, showcasing the potential of LiDAR technology in historical preservation and tourism enhancement.
For a detailed look at the data collected, watch the video here or below.
About RIEGL:
RIEGL is an international leading provider of cutting-edge technology in airborne, mobile, terrestrial, industrial and unmanned laser scanning solutions for applications in surveying.
RIEGL has been producing LiDAR systems commercially for over 40 years and focuses on pulsed time-of-flight laser radar technology in multiple wavelengths.
RIEGL’s core Smart-Waveform technologies provide pure digital LiDAR signal processing, unique methodologies for resolving range ambiguities, multiple targets per laser shots, optimum distribution of measurements, calibrated amplitudes and reflectance estimates, as well as the seamless integration and calibration of systems.
RIEGL’s Ultimate LiDARTM 3D scanners offer a wide array of performance characteristics and serve as a platform for continuing Innovation in 3D for the LiDAR industry.
From the first inquiry, to purchase and integration of the system, as well as training and support, RIEGL maintains an outstanding history of reliability and support to their customers.
Worldwide sales, training, support and services are delivered from RIEGL’s headquarters in Austria and in the USA; main offices in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, UK, Germany, and Chile; and a worldwide network of representatives.