The invention relates to generating a total data set of at least one segment of an object for determining at least one characteristic by merging individual data sets determined by means of an optical sensor moving relative to the object and of an image processor, wherein individual data sets of sequential images of the object contain redundant data that are matched for merging the individual data sets. In order that the data obtained by scanning the object are of sufficient quantity for performing an optimal analysis, but without being too great an amount of data for processing, the invention proposes that individual data sets determined per unit of time be varied as a function of the relative motion between the optical sensor and the object.
