What Is Orbit Measure? How Manifold's 3D Scanning Works on Any Phone

What is Orbit Measure?

Orbit Measure is Manifold's video-based 3D scanning feature. It turns a 60-second video walkthrough of any space into a fully measurable 3D model that you can view, share, and pull dimensions from remotely — from any iOS or Android phone, with no special hardware required.

How Orbit Measure works

1. Walk the space with your phone. Open Manifold, start an Orbit Measure scan, and walk slowly around the room for 60 seconds with your camera pointed at the walls and floor. No specific path is required — just ensure you cover all four walls and the corners.
2. Upload the video. When you're done, upload the recording directly from the app. This takes a moment depending on your connection speed.
3. Receive a measurable 3D model. Manifold's servers process the video and return a fully measurable 3D model of the space. You can view it in a browser, rotate it, and click any two points to measure the distance between them.

That's the complete workflow. No specialist knowledge required. No expensive hardware. No return visit to the site.

What phones does Orbit Measure work on?

Any iOS or Android phone. Orbit Measure uses standard video capture, not LiDAR or any depth sensor. If your phone can record video — which every smartphone made in the last decade can — it works with Orbit Measure.

This is the key difference between Orbit Measure and LiDAR-based scanning apps: LiDAR requires iPhone 12 Pro or newer. Orbit Measure works on any device your crew already carries. For a full breakdown of what LiDAR can and can't do, see our guide to iPhone LiDAR for contractors.

How accurate is Orbit Measure?

Orbit Measure produces measurements accurate to within approximately half an inch under normal conditions. For renovation planning, client handovers, insurance documentation, and remote measurements, this is more than sufficient.

Accuracy is affected by poor lighting, very reflective surfaces, extremely large open spaces, and limited walkthrough coverage of a room. For best results: walk slowly, cover all areas, ensure the space is reasonably lit.

What is Orbit Measure used for?

Remote measurements

Scan on the first visit. Pull any dimension later without going back. Wall length, ceiling height, door width, diagonal — anything visible in the model is measurable from anywhere. See our guide to measuring a room without going back to site for more on this workflow.

Existing conditions documentation

Before any renovation, repair, or restoration work, an Orbit Measure scan creates a timestamped, measurable baseline of the space in its pre-work condition. If a dispute arises about what was there before, the model answers it. This is covered in depth in our complete job site documentation guide.

Client and adjuster sharing

Every Orbit Measure model generates a shareable link. Clients, architects, engineers, and insurance adjusters can view the 3D model in their browser, rotate it, and take measurements. No account required.

As-built documentation

At project completion, a scan of the finished space creates a permanent measurable record of what was built. Future contractors or owners can query it for dimensions years later. Read more about as-built records and how to capture them.

How is Orbit Measure different from Floor Plan Scan?

Both are Manifold features, both are included in the Photo+Scan plan, and both create spatial documentation of a space. The key differences:

• Orbit Measure: Works on any phone. Produces a measurable 3D model. Best for remote measurements, existing conditions documentation, and client walkthroughs.
• Floor Plan Scan: Requires iPhone 12 Pro or newer with LiDAR. Produces an automatic 2D dimensioned floor plan. Best for delivering traditional floor plan drawings to architects, engineers, or clients who need a plan view.

For a full comparison of floor plan apps on iPhone, see our iPhone floor plan app guide.

How much does Orbit Measure cost?

Orbit Measure is included in Manifold's Photo+Scan plan at $24/user/month with no seat minimums. There are no per-scan charges and no processing fees. Free trial with no credit card required.

Try Orbit Measure free on your next job or book a 15-minute demo to see it in action on a real space.