3D scanning technology works by capturing the physical dimensions of objects or environments and converting them into digital 3D models. This process typically involves using laser scanners or structured light systems that emit beams of light and measure their reflections to determine distances. The resulting data points form a cloud representation of the item, which specialized software then processes into detailed 3D meshes. Applications range from manufacturing and architecture to healthcare, allowing for accurate representations of complex shapes and facilitating design, inspection, and analysis.