Polycam uses storage both for capturing and processing 3D scans. The amount of storage required depends on several factors, including the type of capture, the level of detail, and the mode used (LiDAR, Photogrammetry, Room Mode, etc.).
What are the Storage Requirements for Different Capture Modes?
- LiDAR and Room Mode: These captures typically require less storage because the data is processed directly on the device. A single LiDAR scan might take up around 50-200 MB, depending on the size and complexity of the space. Room Mode captures, depending on the details and scale of the space, can use a similar amount.
- Photogrammetry and 360 Mode: These modes are more storage-intensive. Captures in these modes rely on high-resolution photos or video files, which can range anywhere from 100 MB to several gigabytes. For example, 200-300 images in Photogrammetry mode might consume 1-3 GB of storage before processing.
What Are Some Additional Considerations?
- Raw Scans: Storing raw images or videos before processing can take up significant space, so it’s recommended to have a few GB of free storage when working with Polycam, especially if you plan to capture in high-resolution modes.
- Cloud Storage: Once processed, captures can be stored in the cloud, reducing the need for local storage.
How to Optimize Your Storage
- Regularly sync your captures to the cloud and delete unnecessary raw data to free up space.
- Use Wi-Fi for uploads to avoid excessive data use, particularly for large captures in Photogrammetry or 360 mode.