3D LiDAR Scanner & Reconstruction Tool

What is 3D LiDAR Scanning?

LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) is a method for creating accurate 3D representations of objects or environments by using the pulse from a laser. The primary components required for LiDAR scanning include a laser, a scanner, and a GPS receiver.

The laser emits infrared light pulses at certain intervals which will hit and reflect off of nearby objects. By calculating the time between the emitted light pulse and the reflected pulse, the LiDAR device can calculate the distance to each object based upon the speed of light.

Using this basic process, LiDAR-equipped devices are able to create fast and accurate 3D representations of real-life spaces and objects.

Can I export my LiDAR scans into other software?

Absolutely! Once you've created your own LiDAR scans using Polycam, you can export them out of Polycam as GLTF files. Users with Polycam Pro are able to export their LiDAR scans in 12+ different formats including OBJ, FBX, and more.

If you have previously created LiDAR scans, feel free to upload them to Polycam to view, edit, and share them on desktop or on the go with our 3D Model Viewer.

How can I create a LiDAR scan?

In order to create your very own LiDAR scan, you'll need a device that is equipped with a LiDAR. Many of the newer Apple devices all feature LiDAR scanners which can easily create scans for you.

These devices include the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPad Pro. Once you have one of the above LiDAR-equipped devices on hand, simply download the Polycam app and begin scanning to your heart's content!

How does LiDAR scanning differ from Photogrammetry?

While LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry can both output high-quality 3D models, the methods used to achieve the results are different. Lidar scanning and photogrammetry are two distinct technologies employed in the field of remote sensing and three-dimensional (3D) mapping, each offering unique approaches to capturing spatial data.

One major difference is that LiDAR actively uses its laser pulses to gather information, while photogrammetry relies on being fed a set of 2D images in order to construct the 3D output. From here, LiDAR scanning will typically collate a point cloud based on the reflected laser pulses. Photogrammetry will triangulate and match common points between the images within the dataset. The final results from either method will depend heavily on the nature of the subject.