A method of sequentially performing a plurality of jointing operations, the method comprising: positioning an automated device to form a mechanical joint into a workpiece; forming a joint into the workpiece with the automated device; scanning the workpiece to generate data indicating the surface geometry of the workpiece at a location including the joint; identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry, the geometric features indicating the quality of the joint; and if the identified geometric features are within respective predetermined specification thresholds, repositioning the automated device to form a subsequent mechanical joint into the workpiece, wherein scanning the workpiece includes: projecting a line of light across the workpiece at the location including the joint; and detecting a contour of the line of light, wherein the surface geometry is indicated by the contour,said method being characterized in that: - the joint is formed with a fastener having a head, - identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry includes: identifying the presence of the joint based on a height differential within the contour, identifying the height of the head above the surface of the workpiece surrounding the head based on a height differential within the contour. positioning an automated device to form a mechanical joint into a workpiece; forming a joint into the workpiece with the automated device; scanning the workpiece to generate data indicating the surface geometry of the workpiece at a location including the joint; identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry, the geometric features indicating the quality of the joint; and if the identified geometric features are within respective predetermined specification thresholds, repositioning the automated device to form a subsequent mechanical joint into the workpiece, wherein scanning the workpiece includes: projecting a line of light across the workpiece at the location including the joint; and detecting a contour of the line of light, wherein the surface geometry is indicated by the contour,said method being characterized in that: - the joint is formed with a fastener having a head, - identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry includes: identifying the presence of the joint based on a height differential within the contour, identifying the height of the head above the surface of the workpiece surrounding the head based on a height differential within the contour. projecting a line of light across the workpiece at the location including the joint; and detecting a contour of the line of light, wherein the surface geometry is indicated by the contour,said method being characterized in that: - the joint is formed with a fastener having a head, - identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry includes: identifying the presence of the joint based on a height differential within the contour, identifying the height of the head above the surface of the workpiece surrounding the head based on a height differential within the contour. - the joint is formed with a fastener having a head, - identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry includes: identifying the presence of the joint based on a height differential within the contour, identifying the height of the head above the surface of the workpiece surrounding the head based on a height differential within the contour. identifying the presence of the joint based on a height differential within the contour, identifying the height of the head above the surface of the workpiece surrounding the head based on a height differential within the contour.