Use of Smartphone Lidar Technology for Low-Cost 3D Building Documentation with iPhone 13 Pro: A Comparative Analysis of Mobile Scanning Applications

Abstract

Laser scanning technology has long been the preferred method for capturing interior scenes in various industries. With a growing market, smaller and more affordable scanners have emerged, offering end products with sufficient accuracy. While not on par with professional scanners, Apple has made laser scanning technology accessible to users with the introduction of the new iPhone Pro models, democratizing 3D scanning. Thus, this study aimed to assess the performance of the iPhone’s lidar technology as a low-cost solution for building documentation. Four scanning applications were evaluated to determine the accuracy, precision, and user experience of the generated point clouds compared with a terrestrial laser scanner. The results reveal varying performances on the same device, highlighting the influence of software. Notably, there is room for improvement, particularly in tracking the device’s position through software solutions. As it stands, the technology is well suited for applications such as indoor navigation and the generation of quick floor plans in the context of building documentation.