3D SCANNING Real Estate
Everything you need to know
about using reality capture in your business
example scanned with dot3D for iPAD
Is It a Future Already?
Short answer: Yes.
The field of reality capture has grown exponentially in recent years. Existing scanning solutions already provide meaningful improvements over traditional surveying methods. Although for some cases using a Disto and a tape measure is still a valid option, most of the time you will save time and money using scanning.
Currently, in the sector of real estate marketing and reporting, there are two competing alternatives: professional-grade handheld scanners (such as the Leica BLK2GO) and mobile apps for iPhones and iPads (e.g. Dot3D).
Each option has its advantages and can be used with success when capturing properties for floor plan drafting and area measurement reports. See below for a list of the most important aspects of both solutions:
Professional grade scanners
Scanning with a handheld scanner is blazing fast. You can capture an entire apartment in a couple of minutes. Capturing a 3-story house will take you 15.
Using the scanner requires minimal training and no prior surveying expertise, although you do have to be mindful of potential scanning pitfalls.
Apart from the speed of capture, the biggest advantage is the precision of data. Based on the scan data you can safely calculate reports compliant with country-specific rules such as the ANSI Z765-2021 or NEN2580.
The most popular choice in this category, the Leica BLK2GO costs around € 50.000. Although on the cheap end in the world of professional scanners, it is a substantial investment.
Additionally, Leica's software is needed to process the raw files from the scanner
Bottom line:
It will significantly cut your time on location, but it's quite pricey.
Mobile apps
With the introduction of the LiDAR sensor, Apple's iPhone and iPad lineup became a viable option for low-cost 3d scanning.
We recommend the dot3D app, which has a unique set of features tailored specifically for accurately scanning real estate. Most importantly, it supports adding dimensional constraints from external sources, such as your Disto. The app automatically uses these inputs, as well as a clever targeting solution to correct any errors in the scan.
Scanning time is a bit longer than with the BLK2GO, but is still much more efficient than using the traditional methods.
Most importantly, the output point cloud is dense and accurate enough for calculating NEN2580 or ANSI Z765-2021 reports.
The app costs around € 300 for a yearly license with unlimited scans.
Bottom line: A budget-friendly and scalable option that still does the job.
Which one should i choose?
Both solutions save your employees time on location. Also, because you capture the entire property, there will be no more revisits for taking additional measurements.
With proper training, both solutions offer reliable dimensional accuracy.
There is an obvious and striking difference in price. If your budget allows for a substantial investment then the BLK2GO is a very solid choice. It is then wise to make sure you are able to keep the device in maximum daily use.
If your budget is limited or the operational structure doesn’t justify fixed-cost investments then the iOS scanning with dot3D is a choice that offers much more flexibility and scalability.
Whichever option you choose, Mediatask will help you quickly adapt to the new way of working. We will answer all your questions and give you best practice tips.
Workflow
1. Capturing on site
You use the scanner or app to quickly scan the property into a point cloud file containing millions of points.
We have compiled a list of guidelines and best practices to ensure the best results and avoid scanning pitfalls.
2. Uploading the point cloud file
As easy as saving the file to your Dropbox or other cloud storage account. The standard interchange format for point clouds is E57. We convert the BLK2GO proprietary format if needed.
3. Automatic pre-processing
Our custom scripts automatically clean, rotate your scan, detect floors, and create clear and workable 2D sections for each floor. If present, photos taken alongside scanning are also extracted and can be viewed along with the location they were taken.
4. Drafting aided by Machine Learning
Our qualified drafters create the model using all the advantages of the collected data. Mediatask’s own AI tools detect wall surfaces, doors, windows, and other objects in the scan, which makes the drafting process quicker and error-proof.
Following the guidlines and tips in our scanning manual, you will be able to effortlessly capture a precise 3d point cloud of the property.
Mediatask’s app automatically creates sections extracted from scans and calculates the 1.50 line.
Above is an example scan made with dot3D for iOS.
Example BLK2GO scan matched with real-life photo
Mediatask’s automatic processing scripts detect precise locations of all floors
Our algorithms also detect objects in the scan, making the drafting process faster and more precise
Photos taken automatically during the scan can be easily accessed by clicking on the location.
Frequent questions, important answers
Here are some common questions we get from clients who are interested in scanning:
Is the data precise enough?
Both the BLK2GO and Dot3D for iOS are solutions that deliver point clouds accurate within a <2cm margin. We have conducted numerous tests on properties varied in size and type. Also, it is frequent that the 3d scan reveals features that can be easily missed when measuring by hand, e.g. non-orthogonal walls or building outlines that do not match between floors..
What are the limitations?
When measuring a floor with an area above 2000m2, mobile scanning can present a challenge. It is still doable, but it is then more important to get additional external reference measurements.
Also, for very small properties, especially simple in shape, scanning can be overkill.
What about Matterport?
Although a Matterport tour contains 3d data that can be used for drafting as-built documentation, it is primarily a virtual tour solution, focused more on imagery, than measurement. The Pro3 model does include a LiDAR sensor, with a data quality adequate to its price. However, the use of the device requires setting up multiple hot spots to achieve any kind of precision, so it is a different category than the ones described here.
Why dot3d? Can we use another app?
There are many iOS scanning apps out there and we have tested them all. Polycam, Sitescape, Scaniverse, to name a few popular choices. Most of them are optimized for creating an eye-catching 3d model for visualization purposes, with limited precision. Dot3D is unique in this regard – it doesn’t rely on the Apple LiDAR sensor alone, but lets you input as many reference dimensions and precisely tie them to the scan data. Also, it incorporates loop closure algorithms that make sure the scan doesn’t have any breaks and matches reality. You can read more about it here: Accurate Loop-Closure Using Dot3D for iOS. A Comparative Study.
Can we try it out?
Sure! If you want to test the BLK2GO you can contact your local Leica representative (we can hook you up).
If you have an iPad or an iPhone, the dot3D app has a trial. Contact us if you’d like an extended one. Be sure to check out our scanning guide! (see below)
I'm interested. what's next?
If you’re ready to start testing the technology or would like to setup a call to talk with our experts – please feel free to contact us. We’re always ready and happy to talk to you!
Already a Mediatask customer?
Feel free to also hit that button, or contact your account manager directly!
Interested in the details of scanning with your iPad or iPhone? We have prepared a comprehensive guide that covers every step of the way from prep work, through capturing techniques to exporting and uploading your data. Click the button to get your copy.
More from Mediatask on 3D scanning
Visit our page on LinkedIn for updates, case studies, instructional materials, and more!
Some of our recent posts:
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Wait till the 5-second mark to see the transition 😎
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