Similar to a Total Station, a 3D scanner projects a laser onto a surface, which is then reflected back to the scanner. The scanner will analyze and compare the differences in reflected light frequency and the phase shift of the reflected wavelength to determine the object’s position in space.

The 3D scanner contains an internal mirror that rotates vertically in a full circle. In addition, the scanner will rotate horizontally in a full circle. This combination of a vertically- rotating mirror and horizontally rotating scanner produces a 3D point cloud in a sphere emanating from the scanner.