Typically, you use a laser scanner to scan a manufactured model. The scanner outputs a file containing a cloud of point representations of the model—usually several hundred thousand in one scan. These point representations are generally spaced very closely to detect and measure surface geometry features that are approximately 15/1000 of an inch. Many laser scanners can achieve accuracy to approximately 25 microns.

Creo Parametric reads in the scan data file and then compares the sampled model to the (nominal) design model, using computer-aided verification techniques. Scan sets of data can be in any of the following formats: