Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for indicating deformation of a vehicle body when the vehicle body has reference points and a normal position thereof. The apparatus and method comprising the use of at least one target positioned at a predetermined location relative to the reference point on the vehicle body. The target is adapted to provide information indicating the position of the target relative to said normal position thereof when a laser scanner sweeps a laser beam across the target to activate the target and provide target location information. A computer is provided for receiving the target location information and calculating the position of the target relative to normal position. The laser source of the laser scanner is a Diode Pumped Solid State (DPSS) laser to provide stable beam output and prevent beam drift to prove a more accurate measurement.