Polycam
Freemium3D scanning app using LiDAR and photogrammetry to capture real-world objects, rooms, and spaces as 3D models for AR, VR, architecture, and game development.
What does this tool do?
Polycam is a spatial AI-powered 3D scanning platform that captures real-world environments and objects using LiDAR, photogrammetry, and drone footage. It converts these captures into usable 3D models, 2D floor plans, and spatial data that can be instantly shared and measured. The platform supports cross-device scanning—from smartphones with LiDAR to drone footage—and processes captures on the cloud using AI to generate floor plans with measurements, areas, and walkthrough models. It's positioned as an enterprise tool trusted by Fortune 500 companies like Zillow, Amazon, and Wayfair, with specific applications in construction documentation, forensics, product design, and facilities management. The core value proposition is speed: capturing spatial data on-site and generating immediately actionable outputs like floor plans and digital twins without leaving the location.
AI analysis from Feb 23, 2026
Key Features
- AI-assisted photogrammetry and LiDAR scanning from mobile devices, drones, or stationary sources
- Instant 2D floor plan generation with customizable layouts and automatic measurements before leaving the site
- 3D model capture and processing for objects ranging from small products to large spaces
- Drone mapping that converts aerial footage into expansive 3D models and orthomosaics
- Real-time measurement tools and area calculation built into capture interface
- Shareable 3D model links and collaborative annotation for team review and client communication
- Digital twin generation for walkthroughs and visualization of spaces
Use Cases
- 1Construction and AEC professionals documenting job sites, capturing measurements, and generating walkthroughs before leaving site
- 2Real estate agents and property managers creating 3D virtual tours and floor plans for listings and facility inventories
- 3Forensics and insurance claim investigators documenting accident scenes and property damage with precise 3D models
- 4Product designers and manufacturers capturing physical prototypes for remote collaboration and design iteration
- 5Facilities management teams recording building interiors for maintenance documentation and space planning
- 6Drone operators processing aerial footage into large-scale 3D models for surveying and mapping projects
- 7Retailers and hospitality brands capturing store/hotel layouts for design consistency across locations
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Multi-capture method support (LiDAR, photogrammetry, drone) makes it adaptable to different hardware and project types
- On-device processing and instant floor plan generation eliminates waiting for server processing, enabling same-day client handoffs
- Enterprise-grade trust signal with Fortune 500 adoption reduces procurement friction for corporate buyers
- Collaborative sharing and measurement tools built-in, reducing need for separate communication or annotation software
- Cross-platform availability means users aren't locked into specific hardware ecosystems
Limitations
- No transparent public pricing found on homepage—requires contacting sales or starting trial, creating friction for budget-conscious buyers
- Dependent on device hardware quality (LiDAR sensors, camera quality) meaning older or budget smartphones may produce poor scans
- Learning curve for non-technical users; spatial capture and processing terminology may confuse users unfamiliar with 3D workflows
- Limited information about export formats, integrations with CAD/BIM software, or API capabilities for custom workflows
- Cloud processing dependency means scans require internet connection and uploads, potential privacy/security concern for sensitive job sites
Pricing Details
Pricing details not publicly available on website. A 7-day free Business trial is offered, with a 'Book a demo' option for enterprise pricing. Specific plan tiers, per-scan costs, storage limits, or annual pricing are not disclosed.
Who is this for?
Enterprise teams in architecture/engineering/construction, real estate, insurance/forensics, product design, and facilities management. Best suited for companies with 10+ team members needing collaborative spatial documentation, and professionals (architects, surveyors, claims adjusters, designers) who need fast, accurate site documentation with measurement capabilities.