Yes, it's a similar technique. This loop makes measurements not on the surface of the land, which LIDAR does, but it images the topography of the surface. This instrument makes measurements of, for example, magnetic properties of the rocks below the soil. The bedrock image is captured with this instrument. It flies back and forth on a regular grid, so we have a very complete picture of the bedrock. Even when we can't see the rocks, we know what's down there--at least an image of what's down there.
On October 19th, 2011. See this statement in context.