A method interactively displays panoramic images of a scene. The method includes measuring 3D coordinates of the scene with a 3D measuring instrument at a first position and a second position. The 3D coordinates are registering into a common frame of reference. Within the scene, a trajectory includes a plurality of trajectory points. Along the trajectory, 2D images are generated from the commonly registered 3D coordinates. A user interface provides a trajectory display mode that sequentially displays a collection of 2D images at the trajectory points. The user interface also provides a rotational display mode that allows a user to select a desired view direction at a given trajectory point. The user selects the trajectory display mode or the rotational display mode and sees the result shown on the display device.