1. A system for characterizing welding operations, comprising: (a) a data generating component, wherein the data generating component further includes: (i) a fixture, wherein the geometric characteristics of the fixture are predetermined; (ii) a workpiece adapted to be mounted on the fixture, wherein the workpiece includes at least one joint to be welded, and wherein the vector extending along the joint to be welded defines an operation path; (iii) at least one calibration device, wherein each calibration device further includes at least two point markers integral therewith, and wherein the geometric relationship between the point markers and the operation path is predetermined; and (iv) a welding tool, wherein the welding tool is operative to form a weld at the joint to be welded, wherein the welding tool defines a tool point and a tool vector, and wherein the welding tool further includes a target attached to the welding tool, wherein the target further includes a plurality of point markers mounted thereon in a predetermined pattern, and wherein the predetermined pattern of point markers is operative to define a rigid body; and (b) a data capturing component, wherein the data capturing component further includes an imaging system for capturing images of the point markers; and (c) a data processing component, wherein the data processing component is operative to receive information from the data capturing component and then calculate: (i) the position and orientation of the operation path relative to the three-dimensional space viewable by the imaging system; (ii) the position of the tool point and orientation of the tool vector relative to the rigid body; and (iii) the position of the tool point and orientation of the tool vector relative to the operation path.