LiDAR Explained: What Professionals Need to Know

Neutral guides on LiDAR technology, compatible devices, and how it compares to other scanning methods — for architects, tradespeople, and energy consultants evaluating their options.

Last updated: May 2026 · Review due: July 2026

Articles in this cluster

What Is LiDAR and Why It Matters for Room Scanning

LiDAR measures distance by firing invisible laser pulses and timing their return. In room scanning, this produces geometry accurate to within 1% — about 1–2 cm per wall. Here’s how it works, how it compares to standard cameras and photogrammetry, and when you actually need it.

Which Smarthpones Can Scan Rooms in 3D?

Only smartphones with a LiDAR sensor can produce an accurate 3D room scan with automatic floor plan output. That means iPhone Pro (12 Pro through 17 Pro) and iPad Pro (2020 and later). Here’s the full device list, what LiDAR does that standard cameras cannot, and why the Pro requirement exists.

What you learn from this cluster

Together, these three articles teach you: LiDAR is the technology behind fast, accurate 3D room scanning. iPhone Pro and iPad Pro are currently the primary consumer devices with LiDAR — not a limitation, but a reflection of where the technology exists today. Metaroom works on all LiDAR-capable Apple devices. Photogrammetry and laser measures are alternatives, but LiDAR wins on speed and accuracy at professional scale.