Computer aided inspection (CAI) has been successfully applied to measure the surface displacement field in landslide model test. The deformation and the surface changes during the test were tracked and monitored by 3D laser scanner with high degree of precision and resolution. The surface displacement field can be obtained by 3D measurement between the reference and tested object. The technical route for CAI in landslide model test was put forward and the practical test stabilized with piles has been carried out; and satisfactory results were achieved in the test. The results show that this method is available to provide a rapid collection of field topographical data with extremely high density and a comprehensive information for the surface displacement field that are difficult to obtain in point based measurement. The boundary effect and the soil arching effect can be represented more intuitively and vividly by CAI. The test results indicate that the surface displacement field measured by this technique is of evident regularity and its measurement results fit well with the qualitative analysis

theory analysis and phenomenon occurring in the process of the model test. And the displacement field results are creditable and reliable.