The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for scanning an object. Two virtual, orthogonal axes are positioned on a surface of the object. A scanning path of a moving probe is controlled as a function of the two virtual, orthogonal axes. The scanning path can include a plurality of probe positions determined according to a desired coverage of the object. A single probe can be used or, optionally, a pair of probes or an array of probes can be used, optionally mounting the probes on a multi-axis movable support. Optionally, a computer-aided design representing the object can be used to parameterize the object. The method and apparatus can be used to create an image of the object for non-destructive testing.