While it’s no secret that the latest iPhones have a range of cutting-edge features, most people don’t actually know about the majority of them. One such feature is LiDAR, which allows you to scan objects and create a 3D digital image of them.
The LiDAR feature on the latest iPhones uses laser pulses to scan 3D objects and create accurate digital images based on the dimensions. Users can utilize LiDAR to scan objects with apps like Canvas: LiDAR 3D Measurements. LiDAR also enhances the phone’s camera and augmented reality apps.
Let’s explore the iPhone’s LiDAR feature, including how to use it and what you can do with 3D scans from your camera’s LiDAR. We’ll also look at how LiDAR is used in augmented reality and how it can make your life easier.
What Is LiDAR on the iPhone?
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and, as its name suggests, it acts as a 3D scanner using light rays. LiDAR can be used to create 3D images of objects and their surroundings, such as a house or historical statues.
There’s now a LiDAR scanner at the back of the latest iPhone or iPad, alongside the other camera lenses, and it has the shape of a small black circle. The LiDar feature is currently available on the iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch, the iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro (all on Amazon).
LiDAR works by measuring the distance between the camera and the object using light waves and then creating an image based on how long it takes those light waves to reach the camera.
It works very similar to the way submarines use sonar to create 3D images underwater, except that sonar uses sound waves to create an image. LiDAR uses infrared light.
Another difference between the two is that sonar can be used across large distances, while LiDAR works well over small distances. The main reason for this is that light waves get obstructed easily, while sound waves can travel much farther distances.
This is a revolutionary feature on the latest iPhones that can be used in multiple applications, from artwork to 3D printing.
How Does LiDAR Work?
LiDAR works by sending out short laser pulses and then recording the time it takes for those light pulses to hit the intended object and come back. So, essentially it can create 3D images based on its distance-measuring capabilities.
For example, LiDAR is used by scientists to measure elevation changes as well as to map out a geographical area. The LiDAR fires a light laser pulse that reflects off of objects such as houses and trees.
The reflected light then returns to the LiDAR sensor, and this provides the system with all the information it needs to create a 3D image of the area, as well as the differences in elevation.
It does this by recording the time it took the laser pulse to return to the LiDAR sensor and then using this to calculate the distance traveled.
This is why LiDAR is also very effective in measuring elevation changes. If the laser pulses are sent from above an area, the pulses that take the least amount of time to return will indicate a higher elevation because less distance was traveled and vice versa.
While your iPhone camera’s LiDAR may not be as effective as the ones used in scientific research, it can still do many of the same tasks.
What Is LiDAR Used For?
There are many things that can be done with the iPhone’s LiDAR feature, even though it has just a fraction of the capabilities of other LiDAR systems.
To start, the LiDAR system on the iPhone allows the user to explore a different reality by scanning 3D objects and then having the option to save that 3D scan on your phone.
For example, you could use the LiDAR scanner to scan your car and then save that 3D image on your iPhone. You could then use that image to see whether your car would fit in a tight space or whether you could fit two cars in the garage.
The iPhone’s Lidar can also be used to scan the structure of a house or a room. This would be useful if you are looking for a home and want to see whether or not the layout would suit you. You could even use applications to see how a certain wallpaper would look if it covered the walls of a room.
Another important feature of LiDAR is that it helps the phone take better pictures in the dark or in low light conditions. This is thanks to better low light focus ability.
The LiDAR feature lets you measure the length or width of objects by simply using your camera. This is limited to small-scale objects; the LiDAR has a working range of up to 5 meters.
LiDAR in general, however, is much more powerful than what the iPhone is capable of offering at the moment. It is used in the making of autonomous cars and video games, as well as by scientists who use it to measure atmospheric conditions, distances to faraway objects such as the moon, and the elevation of geographical areas.
How to Use LiDAR on Your iPhone
Surprisingly enough, Apple does not provide customers with much information on this incredible feature. There’s no sign of it on the camera app, and there’s no LiDAR app.
Given that there’s so little information on the LiDAR function, many people don’t even know that this function exists!
To be able to access this function, you will need to download the Canvas: LiDAR 3D Measurements app, which is available on the App Store. Once you’ve got the app, you can open it and start scanning an object, such as your laptop or table. You could even scan your room if you want to.
The trick to using LiDAR on the iPhone is that you need to scan the object for a few seconds while slowly moving the camera around the whole object to get a 3D image.
However, if you move too slowly, the app will run out of space, and if you move too fast, you won’t get a good-quality image. So it may take a few attempts before you get it right.
Once you’ve completed the scan, you can choose to save the 3D image or discard it. If you save the image, you’ll be able to rotate it in any direction, zoom in from different angles, and even compare its size with other items without having to actually move any physical objects around.
Speaking of sizes, most iPhone Pro 12 and Pro 13 customers have unknowingly used the LiDAR function in some way or the other. For example, if the Measure App is used, the LiDAR is activated, and it helps provide extremely accurate measurements that can help with projects around the house.
Use of LiDAR in Augmented Reality
One of the most exciting advantages of having LiDAR is that it enhances augmented reality (AR) on the iPhone. LiDAR adds more detail to AR by building a 3D map of a room and making it more realistic.
The 3D mapping ability of LiDAR allows programmers and companies to create AR games and experiences that are much closer to reality. This has already resulted in better customer reviews for LiDAR-assisted AR games.
Many companies are developing AR features that will use LiDAR to blend real and virtual objects together, so that customers will be able to create a world of their own.
Use of Lidar in 3D Scanning
The LiDAR 3D scanning feature on iPhones is relatively new, but it’s effective at creating basic 3D scans of objects as large as a room.
This can already be used to create accurate scans for home renovations or when you’re planning room decorations. The best part is that you are able to share these scans with family and friends.
It’s safe to assume that the LiDAR function will only keep improving down the road, and we could soon see much more enhanced and long-range 3D scans. But for now, 3D scanning helps measure the length of objects accurately and create 3D images effortlessly.