The development of 3D scanning technology has been a significant innovation in the field of geodetic equipment. This technology has enabled surveyors to capture accurate and detailed 3D information about a physical object or environment, which can then be used for a range of purposes, from design and construction to analysis and modeling.

The history of 3D laser scanning technology can be traced back to the 1960s, when the first laser scanners were developed for use in the aerospace industry. These early scanners were bulky and expensive, and their use was limited to highly specialized applications.

In the 1990s, advances in computer technology led to the development of more compact and affordable laser scanners, which made the technology accessible to a wider range of industries, including geodesy. These scanners used a process called time-of-flight measurement to capture 3D data, in which a laser pulse is emitted from the scanner and the time it takes to reflect back to the scanner is measured. This information is then used to calculate the distance between the scanner and the object being scanned.

In the early 2000s, the introduction of scanning systems that could capture multiple laser pulses per second greatly increased the speed and accuracy of 3D laser scanning. This development, combined with advancements in software for processing and analyzing the 3D data, further expanded the applications of the technology.

Today, 3D laser scanning is used in a wide range of industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, and archaeology. The technology has also been integrated into other geodetic equipment, such as drones and mobile mapping systems, to further enhance its capabilities and applications.