Tools and Platform Overview

Purpose of Tool Analysis

This section details the core hardware and software platforms utilized during the Daufuskie Island field documentation. Specifications were compiled from manufacturer sources to illustrate the technical and infrastructural demands embedded in digital preservation work. Trade-offs between accessibility, performance, and platform limitations critically shaped what could be captured, processed, and preserved.

Hardware Tools Comparative Overview

Name Capture Method Accuracy/Resolution File Types Processing Requirement Storage Key Limitations Cost
iPhone 16 Pro MaxLiDAR + PhotogrammetrySub-centimeter (consumer-grade)USDZ, PLY, OBJCloud or device~1–2 GB per scanLimited range; indoor optimization~$1,199¹
iPad Pro (2022)LiDAR + PhotogrammetrySlightly improved (~5m range)USDZ, PLY, OBJCloud or device~1–2 GB per scanIndoor optimization; outdoor noise~$1,099²
Leica RTC360Terrestrial LiDAR±1mm @ 20mE57, RCP, LASLocal (Cyclone Register)50–200 GB projectsRequires lab-grade processing~$70,000³
Leica BLK360 Gen 2Terrestrial LiDAR4mm @ 10mE57, RCP, LASLocal (Cyclone FIELD/360)~200–600MB per scanProprietary workflows; expensive~$22,000⁴
Leica BLK2FLYAutonomous Drone LiDAR5cm accuracyLAS, E57Requires Cyclone5–20 GB per flightWeather-dependent; costly~$87,000⁵
DJI Mavic ProPhotogrammetry (camera)3–5cm (after processing)JPGs (for processing)Photogrammetry software needed~5–10 GB per siteNo direct depth capture~$999⁶

Software Platforms Comparative Overview

Name Capture/Function Type File Types Processing Hosting/Sharing Key Limitations Cost
ScaniverseMobile LiDAR/PhotogrammetryOBJ, USDZ, STL, PLYCloud or deviceDirect link/shareLimited scale, no batch featuresFree⁷
PolycamPhotogrammetry & LiDAR CaptureOBJ, GLTF, USDZ, PLYCloud-basedDirect embed/shareLimited exports on free planFree or ~$70/year⁸
Cyclone Register 360 PlusPoint Cloud RegistrationLGS, E57, RCPLocalExport onlyRequires technical expertiseLicense (inquire)⁹
Sketchfab3D Hosting & VisualizationGLB, GLTF, OBJ, PLYServer-sideEmbed/annotate/share5GB upload limit on premiumFree/$180+/year¹⁰

IV. Workflow Overview

      Capture    
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      Process    
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      Review    
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      Archive    
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      Share    

References

  1. Apple, iPhone 16 Pro Max Technical Specifications.
  2. Apple, iPad Pro Technical Specifications.
  3. Leica Geosystems, RTC360 Data Sheet.
  4. Leica Geosystems, BLK360 Gen 2 Specification Sheet.
  5. Leica Geosystems, BLK2FLY Specification Sheet.
  6. DJI, Mavic Pro Product Page.
  7. Scaniverse, Scaniverse Help Documentation.
  8. Polycam, Help Center and Pricing Information.
  9. Leica Geosystems, Cyclone Register 360 Plus Datasheet.
  10. Sketchfab, Features and Pricing Pages.
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