Lidar Mapping Creates New 3D Digital Model of Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer Statue

Measuring 130 feet from head to toe from its perch in Rio de Janeiro, the Cristo Redentor statue (“Christ the Redeemer”) was designed in 1922 by Heitor da Silva Costa. 

After it was built by sculptor Paul Landowski on top of Corcovado Mountain, floodlights first illuminated the famous landmark in 1931, according to National Geographic. By 2007, the statue was declared one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” edging out the Statue of Liberty of New York.

It’s an attraction that draws visitors from around the world. But for those people who can’t make the trip to Brazil to see the Christ the Redeemer statue in person, a new digital 3D version has been created.

A geospatial mapping firm, GeoSLAM recently used lidar mapping to scan the statue. They completed the work in advance of some scheduled restoration work. GeoSLAM used its SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) system to scan the structure inside and out in just 45 minutes, according to Lidar News. It gathered 180 million data points, which were used to build a high-resolution model inside a computer.

GeoSLAM’s Latin America Channel manager, Gabriel de Barros Praxedes, said “Given the level of detail on this monument — from the face, hands and robe, to the staircases inside and carved marble base beneath it, I’m in awe of the capabilities of this technology and the clarity of data produced.” He added that, “We’ve been able to capture the statue in a totally new light that almost no one has had the privilege to see.”

Harnessing Lidar for Your Upcoming Mapping Project

Using lidar technology is crucial for scanning areas of interest, whether a famous iconic statue in Brazil or details of an area that city planners want to develop. To learn about ACI Corporation’s approach to aerial imaging and lidar mapping, please call us today.