Sensor

Sensor refers to any kind of equipment and technology which is used to measure record and detect the environment of time and space.

Sensors can range from a simple visual recording device to technologies which can analysis and detect occurrences in and out of the spectrum of the universe.

Hand Held sensors
Early hand held sensors took on the form of scanners which had limited abilities and range. By the 23rd century Starfleet used tricorders, a far more advanced sensor technology, there are also specialist tricorders for medical scans.

As well as general purpose hand held devices there are hand held detectors and scanners for a variety of specific detection and measuring requirements.

Starship and facility Sensors
Starships generally have much more powerful sensors, capable of detecting a wide range of phenomenon from a great distance. If a single starship is insufficient, groups of ships can be used, as was the case when the first tachyon detection grids were developed to detect cloaked ships (TNG episodes Redemption).