Abstract: A visual recognition system is disclosed for detecting a target within a scene. A LADAR system and method is employed for scanning laser light signals across a scene having a target to be characterized. Laser light reflected from the target is detected and processed into a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional image is segmented to separate the target from the overall scene. Substantially, only the segmented target data is either displayed locally or transmitted via a narrow bandwidth transmission medium to a remote site for display. The invention finds particular application in military situations where enemy armor is detected and the segmented version of the armor is transmitted via SINCGARS.