This study investigates the applicability of a compact terrestrial laser scanner (Leica BLK360) for assessing the verticality of a tall industrial chimney, and compares its performance with high-precision total station measurements. In the first phase, a reference control network was established and observed using the tangential envelope method with a total station, providing a precise benchmark. Terrestrial laser scanning was then carried out, and circles were fitted to horizontal cross-sections extracted from the point cloud. A least-squares approach was used to calculate chimney-axis deviations and evaluate verticality along the height of the structure. The results of both methods revealed a consistent trend of deviations increasing with height. Maximum differences between the total station and TLS measurements did not exceed 5 mm, which remains within acceptable geodetic tolerance. This demonstrates that the BLK360 is capable of providing sufficiently accurate data for preliminary deformation monitoring of tall engineering structures. The main advantage of the BLK360 scanner lies in its rapid and automated data acquisition, which allows for more frequent observations, reduced fieldwork time, and early detection of structural irregularities. However, limitations such as a reduced measurement range, lower sensitivity under unfavorable conditions, and dependency on surface reflectivity were also identified. Despite these constraints, the study confirms that the BLK360 can serve as a valuable supplementary tool to conventional total station surveys, offering practical support for ongoing monitoring, and contributing to improved safety in engineering practice.