The deformation analysis of infrastructural objects like dams, bridges or tunnels is a dominant topic in engineering geodesy. Employing cost-efficient devices that react sensitively to deformations in the sub-millimeter range enables a more efficient geodetic monitoring. To achieve this objective, the performance of a profile laser scanner, which was manufactured for use in the automation technology, was examined and analyzed for the use in geodetic monitoring. The promising results of laboratory and large-scale field tests performed on concrete test specimens show the high sensitivity of the profile laser scanner in detecting deformations. Reference measurements with a high-precision distance measuring device (laser tracker) underline the detection of deformations in the sub-millimeter range by the tested profile laser scanner.