Quick Start Guide: Getting Started with LiDAR Apps

LiDAR on Mobile Devices

Apple is keeping LiDAR exclusive to its Pro models of iPhones and iPads. As of December 2022, the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, and 2020 or newer iPad Pro models have LiDAR sensors built in.

What Can You Do with LiDAR

Create 3D Models

Testa Di Meleagro

3D Room Scans & Plans

Take Accurate Measurements

Workflow

LiDAR workflow.

LiDAR Apps & How to Use Them

Scaniverse

This tutorial demonstrates how to capture, edit and share a scan with Scaniverse. For more information, visit: https://scaniverse.com

Polycam

Polycam has four scan settings that can be used: LiDAR, Room, Photo, and 360!

Polycam for Education

SiteScape

LiDAR Scanner 3D

3D Scanner App

3D Scanner App Tutorials - Point Cloud to Mesh

Matterport

Scanning Tips

from the Scaniverse website

1 - Plan ahead to decide how you’ll move around the object or area that you want to scan. Make sure you have a clear path with as few obstructions as possible.

2- Select a scan size (small, medium, large) that matches the scale of what you’re scanning. This will set the range of the scanner so you can avoid capturing extra content in the background. You can also set the scan range manually by pressing the Range button on the scanning screen.

3- Move smoothly. Avoid turning suddenly or bumping your iPhone or iPad. This will improve tracking accuracy and reduce motion blur.

4- Make sure your scene is well-lit. If you have to scan in a darker setting, it’s even more important to move slowly and smoothly.

5- The stripes can help you find areas that still need to be scanned. However, it’s not necessary to make every last stripe disappear. Scaniverse is able to fill small holes and other defects.

6- You can temporarily pause a scan by pressing the pause button that appears to the right of the record button while scanning. Press it a second time to resume scanning.

7- After processing your scan, use the crop tool (press Edit > Crop) to trim out unwanted areas. See the tutorial video above for an example.

Export LiDAR model from your phone

File Formats

Exported LiDAR scans can be in the following files formats :

.FBX: supported by most 3D software and game engines

.GLB: open 3D format for the web

.OBJ: Text based 3D model format

.USDZ: best for ARKIT and sharing to iPhones

.PLY: High density color point cloud

.LAS: georeferenced color point cloud

Thinglink

Thinglink uses ONLY the .GLB file extension for 3d models.

Sketchfab

Roman Funerary Jar

Combining LiDAR Scans, 360 Images, and Maps

LiDAR workflow.