PolyCam vs SiteScape: Which Has the Edge?

If you’re a hardcore developer or creator involved in architecture, engineering or construction, SiteScape with its precise LiDAR scans and CAD, BIM compatible exports would be your top pick. For users needing diverse applications like VFX, filmmaking or interior design, PolyCam, with advanced features like 360 capture and photogrammetry, rules the roost.

Key Distinctions Between PolyCam and SiteScape

• PolyCam and SiteScape both offer LiDAR 3D scanning but PolyCam also provides photogrammetry and 360-degree panorama capture, broadening its use cases.
• SiteScape is tailored towards architecture, engineering and construction with precise accuracy, while PolyCam appeals to a more diverse audience including film makers and interior designers.
• PolyCam offers a community platform for sharing and exploring models, while SiteScape offers cloud storage and synchronization for Pro account holders.
• SiteScape allows exporting scanned datasets in .PLY or .E57 file formats, PolyCam exposes advanced export formats with Pro Edition including blueprint and point cloud data.

What Is Polycam and Who’s It For?

Polycam, created by Polycam Inc., is a versatile 3D scanning app designed for iOS, Android, and web platforms. Equipped with high-tech features such as LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, and 360-degree panorama capture, Polycam enables users to create complex 3D models in Augmented Reality (AR). It is an ideal tool for professionals across various fields including, but not limited to, contractors, interior designers, architects in VFX, filmmaking, and 3D art scene building.
Primarily designed for high-performance devices like iPhone 12 Pro and latest iPad Pro, its application offers collaborative editing with a sharing feature, enabling synchronized work on projects. From offering a community platform for exploring and sharing models to aiding in drone mapping, Polycam is continually advancing, including its recent AI-based 360 Capture system implementation.

Pros of Polycam

• Offers diverse 3D capture options with LiDAR scanning, Photogrammetry, and 360-degree feature
• Exports in various formats, compatible with Blender, Cinema4D, Unity, Unreal
• Room Mode feature for establishing detailed, interactive floor plans
• Measurement tool with inch-level accuracy, vital for design precision

Cons of Polycam

• Availability limited to advanced device versions and requires device with LiDAR sensor for LiDAR captures
• Some features such as Room Mode and Teams are recently introduced, may still be in refinement stages
• High-resolution textures can appear black on mobile web browsers

What Is SiteScape and Who’s It For?

SiteScape is a LiDAR 3D scanning app intricately curated for the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors. The App capitalizes on the advanced LiDAR tech embedded in Apple’s iPad and iPhone Pro series to conduct scans of as-built and existing conditions that are inch-accurate. It’s free to download on the AppStore and provides accurate scans for complicated and elaborate structures, making it a go-to app for infrastructure industry professionals.
SiteScape’s functionalities extend to exporting scanned datasets in industry-standard formats (.PLY, .E57), with planned integration with RCP. These datasets are compatible with CAD, BIM, and point cloud processing software, making it easier for professionals to manipulate and utilize data.

Pros of SiteScape

• Achieves inch-accurate LiDAR scans with detailed rendering
• Allows dataset exports in various industry-standard formats
• Pro account provides extensive features and cloud storage
• Excellent adaptability to intricate, large scenes

Cons of SiteScape

• Pricey Pro account at $468/year or $49/month
• LiDAR scanning limited to certain advanced Apple devices
• Multiple scans stitching might cause inaccuracies

Polycam vs SiteScape: Pricing

Both applications utilize subscription models, Polycam Pro is priced at $14.99/month or $79.99/year, while SiteScape Pro costs $49/month or $468/year.

Polycam

Polycam’s Pro edition is available for a monthly cost of $14.99 or an annual rate of $79.99. This edition unlocks advanced export formats and unlimited Photo Mode captures.

SiteScape

SiteScape operates on a subscription basis for its Pro account. Subscribers will need to pay $49 per month or $468 per year for access to premium features such as cloud storage and sync, sharable 3D model links, comment feature on 3D models, and inch measurement functionality.

The Final Verdict: PolyCam vs SiteScape

Without dispute, both PolyCam and SiteScape stand at the cutting edge of 3D scanning technology. Yet, when it boils down to preference, it hinges on your intended use. Let’s delineate the better option for different user segments.

Interior Designers & Architects

For interior designers and architects, we advocate PolyCam. Various features such as Room Mode for generating floor plans, a measurement tool for inch-level accuracy, and the 360-degree capture system make it undeniably superior. Its compatibility with iOS, Android, and web platforms further strengthens its appeal.

3D Art & Scene Builders

PolyCam yet again wins favor for the 3D art and scene building community. It’s compatibility with leading 3D platforms such as Blender, Cinema4D, Unity, and Unreal, along with the ability to capture small objects from all angles, renders it a more potent gamechanger in this space.

Contractors & Construction Professionals

For contractors and professionals in the construction arena, SiteScape emerges as a highly viable option owing to its tailored features for the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors. Its high accuracy, coupled with easy export in conventional file formats, boosts workflow efficiency immensely.

In conclusion, the choice between PolyCam and SiteScape is use-case dependent. For a broader application range, select PolyCam. However, for focused construction and architectural needs, opt for SiteScape.