A traverse mechanism for measuring flow characteristics in a fluid flow path is provided. The traverse mechanism includes a rotating member configured to rotate 360 degrees about an axis in a circumferential direction. The traverse mechanism also includes a probe coupled to the rotating member. The probe extends in a radial direction relative to the axis through a portion the rotating member into the fluid flow path. Rotation of the rotating member enables the probe to map or measure one or more flow characteristic in the fluid flow path 360 degrees about the axis in the circumferential direction.