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Getting Started with Floor Plans: LiDAR Scanning

Floor Plans lets you scan rooms using your device's LiDAR sensor and automatically generate accurate floor plan sketches — all directly inside the Albi mobile app. This article walks you through everything you need to get started, from checking device compatibility to exporting your finished floor plan.

How It Works

Floor Plans uses LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to capture the spatial geometry of a room in real time as you walk around it. Here's the basic flow:

  1. Open the Albi mobile app on a LiDAR-capable device
  2. Navigate to a project and open the Floor Plans section
  3. Walk around the room perimeter — the app traces the geometry as you move
  4. Tap Complete Scan when finished
  5. Your floor plan is generated automatically in under 10 seconds
  6. Refine it with the built-in editing tools, then export as a JPEG

Step 1: Check Your Device

Floor Plans requires a device with a built-in LiDAR sensor. Not all iPhones have LiDAR — only Pro models include the hardware.

Requirement Specification
iPhone iPhone 12 Pro / Pro Max or newer (Pro models only)
iPad iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd gen+) or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th gen+) — 2020 or newer
iOS / iPadOS Version 16 or later
Storage At least 5GB available recommended
Battery At least 20% recommended — scanning is processor-intensive
Internet Required for cloud sync; scanning and editing work fully offline

Standard (non-Pro) iPhone models do not have LiDAR and cannot be used to create floor plans. However, users on these devices can still view existing floor plans in the mobile app.

Tip: Not sure if your device has LiDAR? Check the back — LiDAR devices have a small black dot next to the camera lenses. You can also go to Settings > General > About to verify your model number, or try Portrait mode in the Camera app — LiDAR devices show improved depth sensing.

Compatible iPhone models

iPhone 12 Pro / Pro Max, 13 Pro / Pro Max, 14 Pro / Pro Max, 15 Pro / Pro Max, 16 Pro / Pro Max, and all future Pro models.

Compatible iPad models

iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation and newer) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation and newer) — 2020 or later.

iOS Only

Floor Plans is currently available on iOS only. Android devices do not have the LiDAR hardware or AR frameworks required for professional floor plan generation.

Step 2: Before You Scan

Taking a few minutes to prepare will make a significant difference in scan accuracy. Review these best practices before starting.

Best Practice Why It Matters
Use adequate lighting Poor lighting reduces LiDAR accuracy
Close all doors Defines clear room boundaries
Hold device parallel to walls Improves dimensional accuracy
Walk slowly and steadily Smooth movement produces better results
Scan one room at a time Creates clean, enclosed shapes
Stay in the app Leaving the app or locking your device will end the scan session
Large spaces (2,000+ sq ft) Break into multiple sessions for best results

⚠️ Important: Do not leave the Albi app or lock your screen while scanning. The app requires continuous camera and sensor access — switching away will interrupt your session and any unsaved scan data will be lost. If you need to pause, tap End Room to save the current room first.

Battery note: LiDAR scanning uses approximately 15–20% battery per 30-minute session. For longer scanning days, bring a portable charger.