I've had great success using the CANVAS software with an iphone or ipad pro. The way you avoid the error as noted by Cameron is that you take some hard laser measurements of long dimensions - I try to get a few on the inside and on the outside, and you provide this as part of the supplemental information. The final model you get is adjusted to fit with those overall dimensions. We have not noted any issue with accuracy even with large homes as long as you use this rectification step. What's really great about this is you will 'see' in the model most of what you see on the site - individual framing members if its an attic or crawl space, etc; as well as lights, switches registers and even exposed ductwork. The only elements they 'take out' are furniture and people. I often have have one , and occasionally two rounds of corrections, which canvas provides at no cost; but it's a very large time and cost savings in my experience having done a few dozens projects in this manner. There are some things they cannot 'figure out' - mostly due to the distance limit of the apple lidar sensor, which seems to vary a bit, with a max of about 15 feet or so. I use a very long selfie stick to get the phone or ipad above the roof edge to 'see' the roof pitch' and any dormers or roof top equipment; and supplement the scans with photos, including drone photos for roof conditions that would otherwise be missed. They won't model what is not scanned though so some aspects of the roof may have to be done in house.
------------------------------
Michael Malinowski FAIA
Sacramento CA
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 12-30-2025 06:23 PM
From: Cameron Kruger, AIA
Subject: As-builts / Matterport Camera
Canvas claims to be within about 1-2% of true dimensions. That can be fine for minor remodel or interior design projects, but even on a small 50' deep single family residential project, that could be as much as 12" off from reality... More professional systems like NavVis or Leica will be within about 1/4" over those distances, and provides more useful data (think interior/exterior/attic/crawl/etc), measurable pano images, etc.
------------------------------
Cameron Kruger AIA
Archileaf, LLC
Denver CO
Original Message:
Sent: 12-30-2025 05:34 PM
From: John-Peter Barie, AIA Member Emeritus
Subject: As-builts / Matterport Camera
I've been using Canvas for two years and find it extremely accurate. They continue to improve the software and at a reasonable price. Important note, not just any iPad or Iphone.
You need the product to have a Lidar lense and not all models ave Lidar.
John Peter Barie, AIA, CNUaRegistered Architect FL #AR100580
John Barie Design, LLC
2121 First St NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
727.437.9698
Original Message:
Sent: 12/30/2025 10:01:00 AM
From: Nicholas Blavat, AIA
Subject: RE: As-builts / Matterport Camera
My company recently started using Canvas for residence as builts. As long as you have a Pro iPhone or iPad, it scans and creates may different dwgs or BIM models. It seems very accurate for the handful of projects we used in on and greatly saved time on measure.
https://canvas.io/
------------------------------
Nicholas Blavat AIA
Deep River Partners Ltd.
Milwaukee WI
Original Message:
Sent: 12-26-2025 11:36 AM
From: Will Teass, AIA
Subject: As-builts / Matterport Camera
I am curious to know if firms have found value in investing in a Matterport camera compared to outsourcing as-built services. If you handle the Matterport camera scanning in-house, do you also have Matterport prepare a BIM model? If so, what has been your experience with the quality of the model?
------------------------------
Will Teass AIA
Teass\Warren Architects
Washington DC
------------------------------