Apps
Smartphone 3D Scanning App Polycam Targets AEC in Latest Update
Users can toggle between different versions of images on the app available on iOS and Android.
Images courtesy Polycam
Smartphone-based 3D scanning app Polycam uses the device’s onboard camera to capture scans of objects like sneakers and figurines to full room interiors—complete with details like furniture and cabinetry—as well as exterior structures. The app’s latest release, announced Feb. 26, includes a suite of tools targeted at AEC professionals.
Called Vision 25, “these are more than just incremental upgrades—they’re a rethinking of how 3D creation can solve real-world challenges,” said Polycam Co-founder and CEO, Elliot Spelman, in a release. The three main tool updates include features that allow users to create floor plans out of captured images, stitch together multiple captures to map a space and then share the results collaboratively.
Space Mode requires an iOS device with LiDAR capabilities (Pro versions of iPhone 12 and up and certain iPad Pro versions) and—from a single capture—can generate: a detailed, comprehensive 3D model; a vectorized version of said model with automatically tagged elements and objects such as walls, chairs and windows; or an annotated 2D floor plan.
The Scene Editor is for larger projects, according to Polycam. Stitching together individual 3D captures “helps teams visualize spaces at scale, whether combining floors of a building or assembling designs for complex layouts,” said the company.
The AI-driven Spatial Report feature can calculate measurements such as room dimensions, volume and wall area to within 2% accuracy, according to Spelman and co-founder Chris Heinrich. Polycam’s Pro tier is available as a $26.99 monthly subscription or $149.99 annually. It also plans to introduce an Enterprise tier.
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