A method for determining 3D coordinates of points on a surface of the object by providing a 3D coordinate measurement device attached to a moveable apparatus that is coupled to a position sensing mechanism, all coupled to a processor, projecting a pattern of light onto the surface to determine a first set of 3D coordinates of points on the surface, determining susceptibility of the object to multipath interference by projecting and reflecting rays from the measured 3D coordinates of the points, moving the moveable apparatus under processor control to change the relative position of the device and the object, and projecting the a pattern of light onto the surface to determine a second set of 3D coordinates.
