A system and method for measuring three-dimensional (3D) coordinate values of an environment is provided. The system includes a movable base unit and a 2D scanner. A 3D scanner is coupled to the base unit, the 3D scanner measuring 3D coordinates and grey values of surfaces in the environment, the 3D scanner operating in either a compound or helical mode. Processors perform a method comprising: causing the 3D scanner to measure a first 3D coordinate values while operating in one of the compound or helical mode as the base unit is moved from the first to the second position; causing the 3D scanner to measure a second 3D coordinate values while operating in compound mode when the base unit is stationary between the first and second position; and registering the first 3D coordinate values and second 3D coordinate values into a single frame of reference.