OpalAi - Spatial AI

Tool Introduction

OpalAI is the spatial intelligence product line offered by Opal NexAI Inc.; the company’s original name was Opal AI Inc. Its ScanTo3D application is designed for both individual and professional users, and it enables the scanning of indoor spaces to create floor plans, point clouds, and 3D models. The enterprise version of this platform serves the fields of construction, urban management, and wildfire risk analysis.

Products and Scope of Application

Main functions of ScanTo3D

InstaCAD and LiDAR scanning

The InstaCAD mode generates 2D floor plans and 3D CAD models during the scanning process; it is recommended by the developers for spaces smaller than 2,000 square feet. The LiDAR mode is used to create point clouds, and there is no limit on the total size of the area to be scanned, though it’s best to keep each scan within approximately 5,000 square feet; larger areas can be scanned in segments and then combined together.

• Mobile devices can scan while in motion, eliminating the need for traditional tripod-based laser equipment.
• Textures can be added, the model can be viewed, and measurements can be taken on the device.
• It supports multi-room scanning and segmented data collection in large spaces.
• Obstructions, reflections, light, moving objects, and paths of movement can all affect the results.

Floor plans, digital twins, and export options

With the Pro subscription, it is possible to export files in formats such as PDF, USDZ, OBJ, GLTF, GLB, STL, PCD, PLY, PTS, XYZ, LAS, E57, FBX, as well as raw images or videos. Different file types are suitable for printing, 3D design, point cloud processing, or archiving; it is necessary to check the units, coordinates, and materials before importing them into target software.

• Generate 2D floor plan diagrams and auxiliary data on building area.
• Export 3D meshes, point clouds, and exchange formats.
• Submit the scan to the team to create CAD, BIM, or virtual tours.
• Official measurements, valuations, and construction documents still require review by qualified personnel.

Usage tutorial

1. Install ScanTo3D on a compatible iPhone Pro or iPad Pro, and make sure the device is equipped with a LiDAR.
2. Turn on the lights and door openings, and remove any objects that might move or block the key boundaries.
3. Select the InstaCAD or LiDAR mode depending on the project, and move the device slowly to cover the walls, floor, and ceiling from top to bottom.
4. Inspect for missing or abnormal areas, and rescan in the areas near corners, under doors, windows, and furniture.
5. After adding textures, check the model and make measurements; if necessary, divide large areas into multiple scans.
6. Select the Pro export format, or upload your data and pay to obtain floor plans, CAD, or BIM outputs.

Which users are it suitable for

• Real estate professionals and appraisers who need to quickly document residential and commercial spaces.
• A team that specializes in renovation, interior design, facility management, and modeling of existing buildings.
• Engineers who need point cloud, 3D mesh, or digital twin initial data.
• There are no dedicated scanners, but there are staff on site who use Apple devices compatible with LiDAR.
• For projects that require statutory measurements, structural assessments, or construction-grade results, the outputs of such applications should be used as supplementary data rather than as the sole basis.

Price and service

The Pro subscription offers a 7-day trial period, after which it can be renewed on a monthly or annual basis. The official website does not specify a uniform refund period, the time at which cancellation takes effect, nor the limits associated with each export format; it is necessary to check the payment details in the app store before making a purchase.

The price per square foot for Scan to BIM is only a starting figure; furniture modeling, virtual walkthroughs, complex structures, and the combination of multiple scans can affect the costs and delivery times. According to the provider, standard floor plans are usually processed within 1 to 2 business days after successful upload and confirmation of payment.

Product advantages

• Space acquisition can be carried out using Apple devices equipped with built-in LiDAR, thereby reducing the hardware requirements.
• It offers instant floor plans, point clouds, 3D meshes, as well as professional modeling services.
• The export formats cover common 3D, point cloud, and exchange workflows.
• Large spaces can be scanned in segments and then combined by a team; its application is not limited to single rooms.
• It expands from mobile data collection to decision-making in urban areas and for wildfire management, demonstrating broader spatial intelligence capabilities.

Usage restrictions and precautions

• The core scanning feature relies on iPhone Pro or iPad Pro models equipped with LiDAR; regular devices do not have such capabilities.
• An accuracy of around 98% as stated by the manufacturers refers to the product specifications; it does not mean that this level of accuracy is achieved in all situations or for all legal measurements.
• Glass, mirrors, narrow areas, debris, and fast movements can cause voids or size discrepancies in the point cloud.
• Large-scale scanning can consume a lot of memory and cause the application to crash; officials recommend turning off low-battery mode and using a faster texture mode.
• Uploading scans of residences and buildings reveals the layout of the spaces, the location of equipment, and other on-site information; therefore, it is necessary to control who can access these files and where they can be saved.

Platforms, languages, and privacy

ScanTo3D is currently available on the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad; the app requires iOS 14 or a higher version, but actual 3D scanning relies on supported LiDAR hardware. The official website does not mention any native scanning apps for Android, Windows, or macOS.

App stores list the interface language as English and disclose that location and contact information that is not linked to an identity may be collected; cloud processing also involves uploading scans, images, or videos. When dealing with private residences, critical facilities, or customers’ sites, authorization must be obtained first, and the rules regarding storage, deletion, and access must be reviewed.

APIs, SDKs, and open-source status

The authorities have not yet made available to developers public API documentation, official SDKs, information on pricing or rate limits. The Enterprise Space Intelligence Platform may offer project-level integration, but this does not imply the existence of open APIs.

ScanTo3D, FireVision, Urbanomy, and OIP are all proprietary products; the manufacturers do not make the source code of these products or the open-source licenses available to the public. The ability to support various open file formats does not mean that the software is open source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can OpalAI be used for scanning on a regular iPhone?

App stores may allow installation on more devices, but the official website states that to make use of ScanTo3D’s core scanning capabilities, an iPhone Pro or iPad Pro equipped with a 3D LiDAR is required. It is necessary to check device compatibility before purchasing a subscription.

Can it be used directly in construction after scanning?

It should not be used directly without review. Critical dimensions, structure, area, and compliance drawings still need to be verified by professionals in accordance with project standards.

Is OpalAI free?

The app can be downloaded for free; the Pro version offers a 7-day trial, after which the cost is $9.99 per month or $69.99 per year. BIM and enterprise spatial intelligence services are charged separately.