Range Scanning is a type of laser scanning using a time-of-flight laser rangefinder based on LiDAR technology to measure the distance between the laser and the object’s surface. The laser rangefinder sends a pulse of light to the object and measures the amount of time it takes for the reflection to return in order to calculate the distance of each point on the surface.

Point measurements are taken by aiming the device at the object and using a series of mirrors to redirect the light from the laser to different areas on the object. Although the process may seem cumbersome, typical time-of-flight 3D laser scanners can collect between 10,000 and 100,000 points per second, which is much faster though less accurate than contact sensors.