High-resolution topographic surveying and change detection with the iPhone LiDAR

This paper introduces a comprehensive protocol leveraging open-access techniques to create small- to medium-scale 3D representations of the environment by using iPhone and iPad light detection and ranging (LiDAR). The protocol focuses on two capabilities of the iPhone LiDAR. The first capability is 3D modeling: iPhone LiDAR rapidly generates detailed indoor and outdoor 3D models, providing insights into object size, volume and geometry. The second capability is change detection: the 3D models created by the LiDAR sensor can be used for precise measurement of changes over time. Compared to other 3D topographic surveying methods, this method is rapid, high resolution, low cost and easy to use. The protocol outlines iPhone LiDAR scanning practices, model export and change detection. The expected results after executing the protocol are (i) a detailed 3D model of a small- to medium-sized object or area of interest and (ii) a distance point cloud revealing change between two point clouds of the same object or area between different times. The entire protocol can be conducted within 2 h by anyone with an iPhone with the LiDAR sensor and a computer. This protocol empowers scientists, students and community members conducting research with a cheap, easy-to-use method for addressing a range of questions and challenges, thus benefiting experts and the broader community. Key points This protocol describes the use of iPhone LiDAR to generate high-resolution indoor and outdoor 3D models, providing insights into object size, volume and geometry. The 3D models created by the LiDAR sensor can be used for precise measurement of changes over time. Compared with other 3D surveying methods such as photogrammetry, this method is fast and cost effective and achieves high resolution. It also makes 3D surveying accessible to non-experts. This protocol describes the use of iPhone LiDAR to generate high-resolution 3D models for topographic surveying and to measure their changes over time. The protocol simplifies the use of the iPhone LiDAR sensor, making it accessible to non-experts.