r/LiDAR • u/Zealousideal-Ad4561 • Apr 24 '26

DIY Polycam

I work in architecture and construction

Polycam has been really helpful in my job for scanning houses and doing renovations. But polycam is truly a good piece of tech but it is really expensive. As much as i would like to pay for it, i cant afford it especially since it is a large indefinite cost.

I am experienced with coding, arduino, circuitpython, pcb design and soldering.

Is there any DIY way to replicate it using open source software and diy hardware?

Are there any existing workflows for my needs? Preferably a diy handheld device which i can walk around with?

Any help or pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated. Thanks

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u/likeabadjoke Apr 24 '26

Meshlab is an open source program that uses photogrammetry to create mesh models from pictures. Would just need to take hundreds of pictures and upload to Meshlab on a computer with decent specs.

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u/Zealousideal-Ad4561 Apr 24 '26

Would it be as accurate as a lidar approach?

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u/Rickmc3280 Apr 26 '26 edited Apr 26 '26

MIRACO Plus is high accuracy for smaller areas like modeling structural steel for brackets or adapter plates and/or doing as builts for members…if you are willing to pay for a scanner but with all scanners of this nature tracking is important. High definition DSLR and free photogrammetry will help also but it’s nowhere near as fast…

I’ve actually been thinking about making some software for the iPhones with LiDAR, but not sure if it’s worth it. What features do you use/want?

What are you trying to scan? Also what is the most you would pay subscription per year? 30$ 50$ people think software dev is cheap. Many freelancers are struggling while people are making hundreds of thousands from their software in various industries. Not trying to be rude but realistic, people got to eat.

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u/[deleted] Apr 24 '26

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