Combining measurements and imagery, laser scanners can capture any site, for example plants, buildings or crime scenes, to create a 3D digital model. The resulting model can be used for design and comparison purposes, to ensure site safety in inhospitable environments or as evidence in a criminal case, capturing every detail with to-the-millimeter accuracy. Hans Tuexsen, Terrestrial Laser Scanning Business Director, and Faheem Khan, Vice-president of survey solutions at Leica Geosystems, discuss how recent laser scanning technology in the last 12 months combine one-touch operation with portability and speed to deliver high levels of accuracy, automation and the ability to create 3D environments in a matter of minutes.