Working similarly to millimeter wave radar, LADAR employs laser beams to scan and process a section of the hosts environment and look for patterns. These patterns are further processed to create detailed images. Much more efficient than standard Radar, LADAR data is used to create 3D images or detailed High Resolution images for operators to view.

Because of this, LADAR is used as a direct targeting system for starship and strike craft weaponry. It's effective range is only measured in a maximum of 30 Light Seconds and is line-of-sight compared to other detection systems. Because of this, it is used mostly to improve targeting accuracy rather than make initial targeting solutions.

In planetary combat, the range of the LADAR is measured in only 6-20 kilometers dependent upon the environment surrounding the vehicle. Targeting is nearly instantaneous and is used for all direct fire weaponry.