Who is using the Lidar feature on the iPad Pro for measuring?

[EastOhio]

Since I originally posted this question I've found comments elsewhere which generally indicate that using iPhone / iPad LIDAR outside (especially in sunny conditions) may not have good results. The underlying technology does work well and can be highly accurate (see here: https://www.livescience.com/lidar-maya-yucatan.html ). But the LIDAR used in personal mobile devices just isn't strong enough to capture accurate data in many exterior environmental conditions.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

If precision measuring is necessary, then the Laser is the best and needs to be mounted on a tripod with a level to make sure the line is true level. And you need a "real" target which is exactly the same height as the laser mounted on the tripod or be large enough to capture the beam. Since the ground isn't real level, that means some means of getting them level where a steep slope is encountered. Or you have to measure in short increments so the target and laser are at similar heights. If you simply point the laser up hill, then you need to know the angle and adjust accordingly.

In other words, a lot of time measuring will be required....and all for absolutely no resolution into a more precise measurement between the subject and the comps unless you were lucky enough to measure all the comps as well.

I cannot think of a circumstance where you have a wainscot or full rough rock exterior that you could measure within 0.1' and have all the dimensions close at less than 0.1'...

 

[EastOhio]

..

 

[EastOhio]

If precision measuring is necessary, then the Laser is the best and needs to be mounted on a tripod with a level to make sure the line is true level. And you need a "real" target which is exactly the same height as the laser mounted on the tripod or be large enough to capture the beam. Since the ground isn't real level, that means some means of getting them level where a steep slope is encountered. Or you have to measure in short increments so the target and laser are at similar heights. If you simply point the laser up hill, then you need to know the angle and adjust accordingly.

In other words, a lot of time measuring will be required....and all for absolutely no resolution into a more precise measurement between the subject and the comps unless you were lucky enough to measure all the comps as well.

I cannot think of a circumstance where you have a wainscot or full rough rock exterior that you could measure within 0.1' and have all the dimensions close at less than 0.1'...

The GSE's are aware that the GLA reported for comparable sales may come from sources other than the appraiser, and they are aware that the comparable sales' GLA's may not be 100% accurate. The GSE's interest is collecting SUBJECT ANSI GLA's from appraisers. This way, in the future (over the next 10-20 years) they will have scrubbed most of the inaccurate GLA's reported by county assessors, realtors and third-party data vendors. This will improve the accuracy of their internal AVM's which in turn will help them rely less on licensed and certified appraisers (if there any still in existence in 20 years.)

 

[Sandra Koutsopoulos]

I'll bet if you had 3 appraisers measure anything other than a small box house with square corners, you have at LEAST 3 different measurements, and maybe the back wall 2" longer than the front etc. Combine that with un-level surfaces, shrubs and bushes in the way etc... Personally, I think good enough is good enough. And then we compare what we measured to the GLA on the legal description, and often those are not the same either. Good luck with the sketch---I see some real frustration ahead. I don't think it is possible to have appraisers measure the 'correct' building size and put that in a database that is dependable. Even blueprints vs what is actually built isn't always precise, even when the building goes up 'to plan'. Good luck having your lines come together of the corner isn't exactly square, and oblique angles....????!!! don't get me started. I've got the Lidar on my iPhone, and played with it some, but I'm not ready to switch over to rely on that any time soon.

 

[Russ Kitzberger]

I'll bet if you had 3 appraisers measure anything other than a small box house with square corners, you have at LEAST 3 different measurements, and maybe the back wall 2" longer than the front etc. Combine that with un-level surfaces, shrubs and bushes in the way etc... Personally, I think good enough is good enough. And then we compare what we measured to the GLA on the legal description, and often those are not the same either. Good luck with the sketch---I see some real frustration ahead. I don't think it is possible to have appraisers measure the 'correct' building size and put that in a database that is dependable. Even blueprints vs what is actually built isn't always precise, even when the building goes up 'to plan'. Good luck having your lines come together of the corner isn't exactly square, and oblique angles....????!!! don't get me started. I've got the Lidar on my iPhone, and played with it some, but I'm not ready to switch over to rely on that any time soon.

Ohio Mortgage loan survey accuracy law requires major improvements measurements to be accurate to 2/10th ft. Requiring appraisers to measure to the inch or 1/10th foot would be 2x the accuracy of a MLS by a licensed surveyor (with an engineering degree) using specialized equipment.

I have been letting that sink in and something doesn't seem right about it.

 

[NJAPRAZE]

Not looking for comments on non-LIDAR measuring apps. Asking for feedback from appraisers who are currently using or have used the Lidar feature on the iPad Pro, either the 2020 version or the 2021 version. Comments on its ease-of-use versus laser devices.

I use the "Measurement" app that comes standard with it - believe it's GPS-based; LIDAR? is that something else / another tool or app?

Measurement app's main limitations are : requires decent lighting to use to mark start/finish points

 

[Dublin ohio]

This will improve the accuracy of their internal AVM's which in turn will help them rely less on licensed and certified appraisers (if there any still in existence in 20 years.)

Bingo. The real reason. What other could there be.

 

[Stantheman]

If precision measuring is necessary, then the Laser is the best and needs to be mounted on a tripod with a level to make sure the line is true level. And you need a "real" target which is exactly the same height as the laser mounted on the tripod or be large enough to capture the beam. Since the ground isn't real level, that means some means of getting them level where a steep slope is encountered. Or you have to measure in short increments so the target and laser are at similar heights. If you simply point the laser up hill, then you need to know the angle and adjust accordingly.

In other words, a lot of time measuring will be required....and all for absolutely no resolution into a more precise measurement between the subject and the comps unless you were lucky enough to measure all the comps as well.

I cannot think of a circumstance where you have a wainscot or full rough rock exterior that you could measure within 0.1' and have all the dimensions close at less than 0.1'...

Measuring to the inch or 10th is better because of rounding. If you continually round up let's say for 9" and round to 12" your gaining 3" each time. In most cases this is not an issue, but it can be.

 

[Dublin ohio]

Measuring to the inch or 10th is better because of rounding. If you continually round up let's say for 9" and round to 12" your gaining 3" each time. In most cases this is not an issue, but it can be.

But ANSI says round to nearest 1/2 foot. So depending on who is measuring. You could have it 6" one way or the other. If I measure 20.2 and round to 20. But next person measures 20.4 and rounds to 20.5. Now there is a 6" difference. Who is right