182 Expanding Geology’s Horizons: Geoinformatics, Open Science, and Open Data (Posters)

This session highlights the development of new methodologies for collecting, sharing, and analyzing geological datasets and the advancement of FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data practices.

Tuesday, 21 October 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, Hall 1

Testing Accuracy of PolyCam® LiDAR in Littoral Caves Under Low Light Conditions, Hiawatha National Forest, Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Paper number: 182-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

PolyCam® is a low-cost application installed on mobile devices such as phones and tablets and utilizes a combination of the low power LiDAR and camera technologies of the device to create 3D models; however, the limitations and functionality of PolyCam® have not yet been fully tested for accuracy in a scientific setting. 

An Apple iPad Pro 2nd generation was used to capture 3D models of a littoral cave at the Niagara Escarpment in Hiawatha National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The enclosed littoral cave is approximately 1 meter wide, 1 meter tall, and 4 meters deep. LiDAR scans of the littoral cave were taken using solely the device and the ambient light available. Additional tests using LED light sources of 4000-6700k were then placed within the farthest area of the cave and LiDAR scans were produced to compare if a difference in the quality of the final rendering of the 3D model could be discerned. 

This work allows researchers to understand the limitations, functionality, and capabilities of the PolyCam® software in scientific or academic settings, as well as to inform PolyCam® on areas of improvement in their product and the importance of furthering the PolyCam® accuracy to realize its widespread use in the scientific and academic fields. 

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-413570

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