The majority of these advancements have focused primarily on improving, speed, density, and, to a lesser extent, accuracy. While these improvements are impressive, the practical benefits of further enhancing these features going forward will be less significant and offer less of a practical improvement to users other than making file sizes larger. Instead, the most significant hardware advancements today are those that enable scanners to enter new markets and diversify applications.

A prime example is the inclusion of a survey-grade compensators in scanners. These compensators indirectly allow for real-time, accurate alignment without the need for extensive post-processing using survey control points. For instance, the Trimble X7 uses a built-in laser pointer to perform a resection, aligning the scanner in the field to known survey points. With this workflow you immediately have a point cloud that is accurate enough to meet the required standards for in-field analysis, such as as-built verification and deviation analysis, reducing turnaround times and expanding 3D scanning applications beyond simple data collection.

This functionality also supports the aligning of the vertical plane to fit that of  a design model, all done in the field. So now industries that require quick dimensional checks of components in various orientations, such as steel fabrication, shipbuilding, etc have become customers of this technology.