LiDAR Mode

LiDAR Mode

Polycam Learn
Polycam Learn

LiDAR Mode

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Available on iPhone 12 or newer.

LiDAR mode is great for capturing spaces or if you want to capture quickly. It uses depth data provided by the LiDAR sensor to generate a reconstruction directly on your device, usually in a minute or less. Note: the LiDAR sensor is available on iPhones and iPads with “Pro” and “Pro Max” in the name, starting with the iPhone 12 Pro.

Planning your capture

Before you start, plan your route. Try dividing the room into sections taking note of walls, floors, and furniture. Try to minimize the time spent between capturing overlapping sections. You should move in an S pattern rather than big loops.

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If your subject is large, like a complete house or a multi-story building, you can use the Extend tool and capture it in sections.

Try to keep an individual capture session under 30 minutes so your device can safely process all that data.

Be aware that the LiDAR sensor may not pick up transparent or reflective surfaces correctly.

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How to capture

While creating a LiDAR capture, the mesh preview is your best friend. If you notice that it has become misaligned with the scene, this is called drift. You can avoid drift by moving slowly and steadily, and by keeping your camera pointed at trackable surfaces.

Make sure to capture your subject from all angles. As you move around your subject, wait a moment for the preview to catch up.

Get in closer so that your final result has good detail, but not too close as to cause drift.

Use a selfie stick to extend your range or capture the top of tall subjects.

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