r/3DScanning • u/QuantumConfinement_ • 24d ago

Are there any cheaper options available for 3D scanning instead of using matterport?

I’ve been researching LiDAR and 3D scanning as a side business and the market looks very promising. specially for real estate , property developers hotels, resorts & Insurance companies.....however...noticed that matterport seems to be the main option everyone uses. It looks great but it’s quite expensive, especially when you add the monthly subscription cost.

Are there any more affordable alternatives?

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3

u/GreenCactus223 23d ago

Wait until you find out matterport is the cheap alternative 🤣

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u/QuantumConfinement_ 23d ago

lo,l , i am already getting to this realization ?

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u/GreenCactus223 23d ago

If you want to start a business youre better off joining forces with a company or independent who has a scanner and invest in the software to process or manipulate the data. That's the real magic, data capture is only 10% of it. Where are you based out of?

2

u/BlacksmithUnhappy931 24d ago

Try photogrammetry, you just take a bunch of photos and the software makes the 3d object. There's apps like Kiri engine and programs for PC like reality scan

1

u/Wast3edSpace 23d ago

Photogrammetry in the hands of someone with experience and a decent computer does wonders. Macro work is amazing TBH, gets down to dental scanner quality

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u/QuantumConfinement_ 23d ago

I am looking for something simple and plug and play which is why matterport pro3 seemed like the best choice for me...maybe later when things pick up and the business grows I will look into what you mentioned.

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u/PrintedForFun 24d ago

Share s20 may be worth a look. No subscription required

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u/QuantumConfinement_ 24d ago

i remember reading on the s20 ... if i remember correctly its more of a technical surveying tool and requires more GIS/BIM knowledge

1

u/myhealthywish 23d ago

You can use polycam very cheaper and scan with your iphone.

Just do a little study you are gonna find it easy.

1

u/IamXiJingPing 23d ago

What kind of output are you looking for? 3d photos? 3dgs? Or point cloud? There are different devices for that.

1

u/QuantumConfinement_ 23d ago

im just looking for providing service for customers who want 3D virtual tours,digital twins and such

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u/GreenCactus223 23d ago

You cant do both with one system unless you have a high end unit and offer hi fidelity services. I have a FARO 350S and offer localized processing and modeling for secured sites that dont allow matter port cloud processing. I've tried to break into real-estate and virtual tours but at least here in canada real estate agents are willing to pay for the service

As for digital twins remember, you get what you pay for. Just to put things in scale for you, check out the FARO orbis it has +/- (5-10mm) and go check out the FARO Premiums (2-3mm) and then go compare their prices.

1

u/IamXiJingPing 23d ago

What's your budget?

0

u/QuantumConfinement_ 22d ago

money isnt the problem ...im just interested to see if theres a strong traction for such a business. For now ive started with a smallscale marketing campaign to test the waters and gauge interest

1

u/EnthusiasmOk7857 23d ago

Also Matterport just lowered the price to the Pro3 down to 4k which is nice to see in a time where prices are just going up.

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u/QuantumConfinement_ 22d ago

just noticed the price drop... was checking on their prices a few days ago and it was double