1. A multi-mode scanning imaging system for imaging an object, comprising: a plurality of sets of optical elements, each set being disposed with respect to a corresponding image plane and configured to image respective portions of the object; a scanning mechanism for producing relative movement between the sets and the object to scan the object; image sensors corresponding to the sets of optical elements adapted for capturing image data representative of the respective portions of the object imaged thereby; and a mode implementation system for combining the image data according to one or more desired modes of operation of the imaging system.