Using the 3D Scan app

The 3D Scan app is used to capture a high quality georeferenced point cloud. This point cloud is saved in LAZ format, and includes coordinates, color, and classification.

Important: The 3D Scan app is only available on LiDAR-equipped iPhone Pro and iPad Pro devices. The Scan app is not available on iOS devices without a LiDAR sensor, or Android devices.

Prior to scanning you will need to load a model. Scans will be captured in the same coordinate system as the model you have loaded.

For accurately georeferenced scans that will align with your BIM data, Trimble recommends that you perform a Marker Placement as close as possible to the scan location.

To begin scanning:

  1. Open the 3D Scan app from the apps carousel.

    The first time you open the app you are prompted to choose your scan setting:

    To close the scan setting panel, tap . Tap to reopen the scan setting panel at any time — even while scanning — to adjust the setting as needed.

    The scan setting slider offers a trade-off between a longer scanning range versus a higher quality, less diffuse point cloud. Trimble recommends that you keep the slider set to higher quality. However longer range can make scanning larger areas faster, and can be necessary when scanning taller objects such as walls or ceilings.

  2. Tap ; the app begins capturing points. The range of point capture varies based on the scan setting, and will range from 3 meters (3 yards) at Higher Quality up to a maximum of 9 meters (9 yards) at Longer Range. The material being scanned, the lighting conditions, and the device model can all impact scanning range, potentially reducing this maximum range.

    The size of a 3D Scan will be limited to within 5 meters (5 yards) of your location when initializing the scan. This area will be displayed as a yellow circle.

  3. Continue capturing points until you have completed your scan. You can pause (and resume) point capture at any time by tapping .

  4. While scanning, you can quickly capture a full resolution photograph by tapping . A preview image will briefly appear at the bottom left of the screen to confirm the photograph has been captured.

    If you want to cancel your scan, double-tap .

  5. Once you have completed scanning, tap on the right side of the Scan icon; you are prompted to enter a name for the scan.

  6. Tap Finish to save the scan.

Once you have captured a scan the Sync icon appears in the top right of the screen. When you are ready to begin the sync process, tap .

Due to the size of scan data it may be preferable to use a Wi-Fi data connection (rather than cellular) to sync the data.

The scan data and any captured photographs will be uploaded to Trimble Connect and placed in a new folder called SiteVision Scans. This folder will be created in the same location as your loaded model.

In addition, the scans saved to Trimble Connect will be automatically published to the Trimble Reality Capture Platform Service.

The Trimble Reality Capture Platform Service allows point clouds to be viewed within the Trimble Connect 3D browser. This enables powerful QA/QC workflows by visualizing and comparing scans with 3D models.

You can also capture a 3D scan with a model loaded from your local device. In this case, when you tap , you are prompted to save the LAZ file via the iOS share dialog. This allows you to save the file locally to your device, or send it to other file sharing apps such as Google Drive.

Scanning best practices

Following are some tips and tricks for getting the best results using the 3D Scan app:

  • For best quality results, use slow and steady movements when scanning. Fast movements and swings can reduce the quality of the data. Horizontal sweeping (a natural tendency) is not recommended, and vertical sweeping (unless gently) gives the worst results. An exception is that a gentle vertical single pan is the best way to capture features such as poles.

  • Reducing the speed and the frequency of turns will help keep AR drift to a minimum.

  • For edges, such as those of concrete slabs, it is recommended to walk in the same direction as the edge, to get the best definition.

  • It can be difficult to capture shiny or reflective surfaces such as bare metal or road signs, and transparent materials such as glass or water will not be captured. It is also difficult to capture black surfaces and certain vegetation.

For optimal performance keep your LiDAR sensor clean by following the manufacturer instructions. Buildup of dust/grease can impair the performance of the sensor.

 

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