LiDAR & 3D Modeling: A Pathway to Smarter & More Precise Utility Security

Curtis Marquardt Jr.:
Thanks for joining me today to talk about utility security, Martin! Can you tell our readers more about yourself?

Martin Vojtek: Thank you. I am CEO of a company called Tacticaware, which became part of Hexagon in 2020. I’ve worked for more than 20 years in the security industry. My experience with LidarVision began while delivering specific projects for our troops based on passive infrared detectors. The PIR detectors had addressable pins, so when intruders were nearby, we could determine their direction and rotate PTZ cameras toward them.

However, we couldn’t pinpoint the intruder’s exact location—only the direction—so the system was limited. I began looking for ways to improve it, testing various technologies. In 2015, we discovered that LiDAR could give us exact X, Y, Z coordinates of intruders. This allowed us to rotate PTZ cameras, even if they were on different buildings, toward precise locations. That’s when we decided to develop a security system based on LiDAR.

We also wanted to present the results in a more operator-friendly way. I’m the inventor of HxGN dC3 LidarVision, and our idea was to merge security technology with the gaming industry by using the Unity 3D engine. This supports digital twins, allowing us to show intruder positions in full 3D maps. It’s a game-changer for situational awareness, helping operators clearly understand events in the secured area.

In 2017, we released the first version—then called Accur8vision, now renamed LidarVision—which has been on the market since.

Curtis Marquardt Jr.:
It looks visually impressive. I definitely can see the video game elements in the platform. I’d like to ask more about what the technology can do as it relates to utility security. Can you talk about your approach to developing this technology to be impactful for critical utility locations?

Martin Vojtek:
We put a focus on critical infrastructure, including nuclear power stations, regular power stations, and power grid substations. LidarVision is well suited for these applications because it provides real-time data on intruder numbers, size, speed, and movement trajectories. Operators can see entry and exit points for further investigation.

For substations, we don’t just secure the fence—we protect the entire space. This is important because workers may be present, and we need to confirm they’re in safe areas. The system supports both security and safety needs. For example, in our work with EG.D, an electric utility that serves 2.7 million people in the Czech Republic, we protected the entire area of one of their substations with just five LiDARs. Zones can be divided into safety, security, and no-go areas. If something happens, operators immediately know the details.

Curtis Marquardt Jr.:
I’d love to talk more about your work with EG.D on implementing LiDAR. What were their needs, and how did you meet them?

Martin Vojtek:
Their challenge was that no operators are stationed on-site. They had 10 to 15 PTZ cameras but no one to control them in real time. Fence detection alone produced too many false alarms.

They asked us to test our solution, so we conducted a proof of concept with one or two LiDARs. They were impressed with the accuracy, and we received our first transformer station to protect. We installed five 360-degree 3D LiDARs, used existing cables and cameras, and completed the installation in two or three days.

The system was operational immediately. It’s now so popular at EGD that they plan to install it across their network. They’ve also asked us to create safety zones beneath power lines to prevent accidents during maintenance. If someone enters a danger zone, sirens or warning messages are triggered. We can even detect if someone raises their hands toward a live wire. The system’s volumetric detection is accurate to 2 centimeters, allowing precise zone configuration.

Curtis Marquardt Jr.:
Are there other maintenance applications for this technology?

Martin Vojtek:
Yes. Our system has a 3D layer that can integrate with Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) systems, fire alarms, intrusion alarms and access control. All alarms are presented in the digital twin, giving the operator full situational awareness.

We can also mark authorized personnel as friendly, allowing them to move through detection zones without triggering alarms. This is useful in restricted areas where only certain workers are permitted.

Curtis Marquardt Jr.:
You mentioned the digital twin application. How was that used for installation strategy as well as for other security planning?

Martin Vojtek:
EG.D and other companies, such as CEZ, use digital twins of their power plants, including nuclear plants. Creating a digital twin is straightforward using photogrammetry with a drone. For a substation, the process takes about 30 minutes, plus another two to three hours to build the digital twin.

We encourage clients to create a digital twin before installation. Using our dC3 Designer software, they can place virtual LiDARs, visualize coverage, identify blind spots and even simulate virtual intruders. This allows them to determine the number, placement and type of LiDARs needed in the most cost-effective way. It’s essentially gamifying security design.

Curtis Marquardt Jr.:
It’s great to see the visual and mathematical applications helping coordinate equipment placement and identify weak points. If someone wants to learn more, how can they reach you?

Martin Vojtek:
They can visit hxgnsecurity.com or connect with me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/martin-vojtek-a4a82644/.