A three dimensional shape correlation computer software program which uses laser radar data for target identification. The correlation program obtains a scan of laser radar data of a target from a Ladar sensor. The data includes a plurality of X,Y,Z coordinate detection points for the target. The software simulates the sensor scan using a 3D wire-frame model of the target. An X,Y,Z coordinate location is computed for every point in the computer model of the target. The software compares the X,Y,Z coordinate detection points for the target with the X,Y,Z coordinate points for the computer model to determine if the points match. When there is a match a target identification is declared.