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Your iPhone Has a Superpower You're Not Using: Sketching a House in 5 Minutes

There's a common theme emerging among restorers: many don't realize their newest iPhone has a built-in superpower. That superpower is LiDAR, the very same laser-scanning technology found in expensive Matterport cameras.

Why isn't this game-changing technology being widely implemented in the restoration apps we use every day? It might be because the developers behind them don't truly understand the struggle. They don't know what it's like to spend an hour, an hour and a half, or even more, meticulously sketching a 3,000-square-foot house.

What if you could get that entire sketch done in just five minutes? In this article, we'll show you exactly how you can, using an app that harnesses your phone's LiDAR capabilities, and we'll even put it to the test against a popular tool like Hover to check its accuracy.

From Manual Labor to 3D Model in Minutes

For this demonstration, we're using an app called Polycam (though other LiDAR-based apps are available). The process is simple: you open the app and begin scanning the room. As you move your phone, you can see the app finding the edges of the walls and floors in real-time.

In just a few minutes, the result is a complete 3D rendering of the space. But it's more than just a pretty picture. The app gives you the power to instantly generate a blueprint, providing the precise length and width of the walls. It's so detailed, it will even map out the furniture. A full house that once took over an hour can now be accurately mapped down to the inch. The geospatial model it creates is just as impressive and, for many applications, just as good as a Matterport scan, providing all the information and imagery you need.

Accuracy Test: LiDAR vs. Photogrammetry

So, how accurate is it? Let's compare it to Hover, a well-known service that many in the industry use.

For a test property, we know a specific front wall is about 24' 7" and an interior wall is around 13' 3".

• Hover's Measurements: Hover returned a measurement of around 13' 3" for the interior wall.
• Polycam (LiDAR) Measurements: Polycam returned a measurement of 13' 7" for the same wall and 23' 9" for the front wall.

The accuracy of both tools is comparable, with the "true" measurement likely falling somewhere in the middle. The difference lies not in the result, but in the method—and this is where LiDAR has a significant advantage.

Hover uses photogrammetry, meaning it stitches together multiple 2D images to programmatically render a 3D model. To do this effectively, it needs a clear 360-degree view of the property from all angles. Here in Philadelphia, with our row homes and heavy tree coverage, getting that perfect set of images can be a real issue.

LiDAR, on the other hand, is essentially radar with lasers. You don't need a perfect, unobstructed view from a distance. You just need to be able to get your phone's camera pointed at the surface you want to measure. The lasers do the work, pulling back data to create the model. This makes it far more versatile for properties with obstructions.

The Verdict: Cost, Convenience, and a Call to Action

When you consider the cost-benefit analysis, the choice becomes clear. An app like Polycam might cost around $17 a month. It uses the powerful device that's already in your pocket at all times and suits the needs of most restoration jobs just as well as more expensive and cumbersome solutions.

The usefulness, low cost, and sheer convenience automatically point to LiDAR as the superior tool for everyday field use.

It's time for the restoration industry to more heavily utilize this technology. Its widespread adoption would be an absolute game-changer in how we do our jobs, saving time, reducing errors, and increasing efficiency. If the current software providers don't integrate it, new solutions will emerge to fill the gap.

Stay tuned for more tech insights. If you have questions or ideas, feel free to reach out to Matt@apexerainc.com.