Scanners (or multi-scanners) are Imperial short-ranged scanners, used to detect energy emissions throughout a wide spectrum, such as heat, radiation and most forms of energy given off by vehicles and living troops. Scanners can take the form of separate hand-held devices, or they may be built into a helmet such as in the case of Terminator armour. Its main tactical use is to reveal otherwise hidden troops within a certain range and allow them to be fired on.
The Imperial Guard uses scanners known as surveyors. Space Marines and other forces use the auspex.
Sources
- Warhammer 40,000: Wargear, 2nd edition