Indoor scanning gets the attention, but half the estimate often lives outside: siding, fencing, decks, landscaping. Scanstead has two outdoor modes for it.
Ground mode: trace the lot
Ground mode uses ARKit raycasting to let you trace an outline over real terrain — walk the boundary or tap points, and Scanstead computes area and perimeter for whatever you enclosed. Use it for:
- Fencing: perimeter is the takeoff
- Decks and patios: trace the footprint, get the area
- Landscaping and sod: irregular beds are exactly what tracing is for — no more decomposing a kidney-shaped lawn into rectangles
Building mode: capture the exterior
Building mode captures the structure itself as a LiDAR mesh. Walk the accessible sides of the building and Scanstead estimates wall area from the captured surfaces — the number a siding or exterior paint bid is built on.
Practical notes from the field:
- LiDAR range is a few meters, so you're walking near the wall, not photographing from the curb.
- Bright noon sun degrades outdoor LiDAR slightly; morning and evening scans come out cleaner.
- Capture what you can reach — the estimate works from measured surfaces, and gable math is easier when the first floor is already exact.
One property, one record
An indoor house scan plus a ground outline plus an exterior mesh is a complete measurable record of the property, captured in one visit, stored in one place. That's the site visit that never needs a follow-up trip.