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  • 1.  iPhone12 LiDAR scanner for hydrology

    Posted 01-17-2021 10:50 AM

    Hi!

    Has anyone used or seen any discussion about using the new iPhone's LiDAR scanner to create small-scale elevation maps for hydrologic analysis (or other purposes)?

    Thank you!



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    Natalya Sokolovskaya P.E., M.ASCE
    Wynnewood PA
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  • 2.  RE: iPhone12 LiDAR scanner for hydrology

    Posted 01-18-2021 11:48 AM
    I haven't seen any used, but there are LiDAR apps in the App store. I would love for you to share your experience.

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    Dallas May Aff.M.ASCE
    Staff Engineer
    Dallas TX
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  • 3.  RE: iPhone12 LiDAR scanner for hydrology

    Posted 01-19-2021 08:44 AM
    Hi Dallas,
    We are thinking about looking into it. I don't have one to play with yet. The main questions are whether it can adequately adjust the scan as the angle and location of the phone change during the scanning process (e.g. walking with the phone along a street).

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    Natalya Sokolovskaya P.E., M.ASCE
    Wynnewood PA
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  • 4.  RE: iPhone12 LiDAR scanner for hydrology

    Posted 01-20-2021 12:07 PM
    When I saw that the newest model iPhone (one of the fancy versions of the 12) came with LiDAR scanning abilities, I assumed it could be used in various fields of engineering to make this technology much more accessible. It will be interesting to see how well it works for different applications.

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    Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
    Civil Engineer
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  • 5.  RE: iPhone12 LiDAR scanner for hydrology

    Posted 01-27-2021 01:20 PM
    I recently upgraded to the iPhone 12 Pro, I admit almost solely for the better camera and specifically to take better low light photos of the new baby.  This thread inspired me to look a little more into its capabilities and check out the LiDAR apps that Dallas May mentioned. 

    The built in Measure app was significantly improved by the new sensors, so if you used it before and was disappointed, definitely check it out again.  I plan on using it for quick measurements on field inspections / site visits.  I haven't had a lot of time to investigate and play with many third party apps but I did check out "RoomScanLiDAR" and was amazed.  It is a free app and allows you to scan room by room, a house and it creates a 3D model and automatically converts it into a 2D floor plan that you can then mark up.  The quality of it was impressive from just the phone and a free app.  It would be a handy tool for home inspectors or folks in real estate.  I have yet to find an app with a more hydrologic lean but I will update if there is anything interesting out there that I can find.  It seems that the phone would be capable of it, it is just a question if someone has wrote an app for it yet.  Hopefully this is inspiring to others and may spur some investigating or code writing.

    *************
    Jessica J Bennett PE, M.ASCE
    Project Engineer
    Bellingham, WA

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    Jessica Bennett P.E., M.ASCE
    Project Manager
    City of Bellingham
    Bellingham WA
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  • 6.  RE: iPhone12 LiDAR scanner for hydrology

    Posted 01-28-2021 01:14 PM
    I will check out the app you mentioned! Thanks Jessica!

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    Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
    Civil Engineer
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  • 7.  RE: iPhone12 LiDAR scanner for hydrology

    Posted 02-01-2021 09:45 AM
    Hi Natalya
    3d Scanner App is pretty good. I have not done much with it yet myself but a geotech that I know uses it to scan test pits, etc. A 3D image is much better than a 2D photograph.
    Cheers
    Brian

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    Brian Marshall P.E., M.ASCE
    Civil engineer
    Bardon QLD
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