A method and system of determining the physical dimensions and
configuration of a structure or system as a precursor to the design of
modifications of the structure or system by analyzing hidden objects
within the structure or system is provided. The method includes accessing
the structure or system prior to the modification for preparation of the
modification; scanning the structure or system with an x-ray backscatter
unit; collecting data from the x-ray backscatter unit and combining and
reconstructing the data into a 2-D, 2-D panoramic or 3-D data set;
producing surfaces and structures of the hidden objects from the data
set; and tying the surfaces and structures of the hidden objects into a
pre-existing coordinate system of the structure or system creating a 3-D
model.