CavernSeer 0.3.2

CavernSeer is an application tailored for cave and shelter surveying, utilizing the LiDAR capabilities of the 2020 iPad Pro and iPhone 12 Pro, coupled with RealityKit's advanced scene reconstruction features. This allows users to create relatively accurate 3D meshes of real-world environments and visualize them through a variety of methods.

App Usage

The application is compatible with all iOS/iPadOS 14 devices, enabling users to view existing scans from others. However, only devices equipped with a LiDAR scanner, specifically the iPhone 12 Pro and newer iPad Pro models, can capture new scans.

Viewing

User-initiated scans or those imported from other sources are organized within the "Scan List" tab. This section provides a clear listing of scan names along with their initial photographs.

Upon selecting a scan, users can access start and end photos (if available) and find options for exporting the scan file as well as generating a plaintext .OBJ render. Additionally, the following features are available:

• Advanced: Offers underlying details about the scan.
• 3D Render: Provides a navigable 3D perspective rendering based on the selected "3D render interaction mode."
• Plan Projected Render: Delivers a "top-down" orthographic projection, complete with a scale bar and default north orientation. The height control allows users to adjust the camera view to reveal or obscure obstructions.
• Elevation Projected Render: Features a "side-view" orthographic projection with a scale bar and directional controls relative to magnetic north. The depth control functions similarly to the height control in plan projections.
• Cross Section Render: Presents an elevation projection accompanied by an inset plan-projection that indicates camera position and size. Users can activate a depth-of-field effect for detailed cross-section slices.

All rendering options support high-resolution screenshots exceeding the device's native resolution, ensuring clarity and detail.

Scanning

For devices equipped with LiDAR, new scans can be initiated via the "Scanner" tab. Tapping the central button commences scanning, with optional debugging overlays available to display either _Debug_ information or a _Mesh_ preview, which showcases the live mesh being captured. The device's flashlight can also be activated during this process.

Pressing the central button once more completes and saves the scan, which then becomes accessible in the scan list.

Settings

• Options for adjusting mesh color representation across various viewing modes.
• A toggle for switching between metric measurements and decimal feet in distance contexts.
• A setting for altering interaction modes within 3D render views; it is recommended to use "Orbit angle mapping."
• Debugging options provided where suitable.