(the FAQ section will follow the short introduction)
Introduction:
3D photography using LiDAR scanning (Light Detection And Ranging) has become more popular in recent years, for real estate, AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction), interior design, remodleing, insurance and more. In fact, the available platforms, services and equipment have grown and is expanding at roughly 13.9% annually (exhibiting a CAGR of 13.90% during the forecast period from 2026-2034).
(Source: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/3d-mapping-and-modeling-market-106003)
Between 2016 and 2026, 3D scanning using LiDAR for spatial industries has grown by between 300% to 400%, scaling from a niche, highly technical tool into a mainstream standard.
(Source: https://iscano.com/laser-scanning-lidar-future-trends/future-3d-laser-scanning-north-america/)
According to Grandview Research: "...the growth has been driven by three primary catalysts: the democratization of hardware (including consumer mobile LiDAR), the transition to cloud-based automated software, and the mandate for digital twin documentation."
("Digital Twin" = an accurate replica of an interior space or physical object that contains critical data, and can be dynamically updated with such data).
Since I chose the iGuide Planix R1 camera/scanner and platform, I will focus on that technology (there is a LiDAR scanner buyer's guide link below).
2. FAQ - about LiDAR Scanning for 3D Virtual Tours using the iGuide Plainx R1 system:
What is the difference between LiDAR and Photogrammetry? LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) uses LASER beams (Light Amplification through Stimulated Emission of Radiation) to scan an area for a 3D tour, while Photogrammetry (light, recording, measurement) uses overlapping photographs to reconstruct 3D shapes in an area.
How accurate is LiDAR, using the iGuide Planix R1, for measuring properties (real estate, construction, or interiors in general)? The iGuide Planix R1 is highly accurate, operating with a measurement uncertainty of 1 cm on its Time-of-Flight LiDAR hardware, and is fully compliant with the ANSI-Z765-2021 standard for residential square footage calculation and is officially backed by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)
How quickly can LiDAR be done for real estate and related industries? Using the iGuide Planix R1, a 2000 square foot interior can be captured in as little as 15-20 minutes (depending on full access and mobility). The formula used by Beachwood Media is 8 sec per interior scan, plus 10 seconds per movement, plus 2-3 scans per room (for about 40 scans total), plus 'tagging' (adding important details, such as meters, flaws, areas of concern, etc), means 18x40=720/60=12 min, plus extra time for tagging, stairs and unusual areas to access. So, about 15-20 minutes minimum. Follow-up reports are handled off-site. Exteriors having no solid boundaries, have to be assessed prior to scanning.
Can LiDAR from iGuide Planix R1 data be used to create CAD, BIM, or Revit files for renovations? Yes, iGUIDE PLANIX R1 data can be used to create CAD, BIM, and Revit files for renovations (CAD = Computer Aided Design which , BIM = Building Information Modelling, Revit = a BIM data container).
How much does a LiDAR scan using iGuide Planix R1 typically cost (ballpark figure)?: Between $250 and $450 CAD - broken down into 2 sections - 1. the operator's local service fee (labour, travel, and time on site) and 2. the iGUIDE Portal processing/add-on fees. The iGuide portal fees are completely transparent, shown up front and very reasonable The only additional costs from Beachwood Media include the time it takes to add on extra deliverables after the initial scanning session.
The Scanning Report/Buyer's Guide is linked below (the link is safe!!):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bvEbWbGYoA4ZPtt5lPMB8fCrbEcnnGcS/view?usp=sharing
