GeoDigital International Inc. first saw demand for its three-dimensional mapping technology from utilities that use it to inspect their vast networks of power lines. Now the same technology, based on a combination of lasers and radar called Lidar, is being tested by a maker of self-driving cars to map out the U.S. highway system.

Increasing demand for the company's services led several venture investors to power up GeoDigital with about $25 million in new funding. One of the company's backers is General Motors Corp.'s GM Ventures, according to GM spokesman Dan Flores.

New investor EnerTech Capital, a venture capital firm with U.S. and Canadian operations, led the new equity investment, with Emerald Technology Ventures also participating alongside returning backers NGP Energy Technology Partners and North Sky Capital, according to GeoDigital.

Founded in 2005, Hamilton, Ontario-based GeoDigital has revenue in the $30 million to $40 million annual range, according to Abraham Morris, GeoDigital's co-chief-executive. Most of the company’s sales are to power utilities -- customers include Xcel Energy and Duke Energy, said Alastair Jenkins, the company's founder and co-CEO.

GeoDigital's business truly took off, Mr. Jenkins said, when regulators forced utilities to regularly inspect their transmission lines after the massive 2003 Northeastern blackout, which was partly caused by trees touching the wires and creating electric faults.