If you don’t have a tape measure to measure a box, don’t worry. It is possible to use the cell phone camera to quickly measure the dimensions of any object, areas of surfaces and height of people.
There are several iPhone and Android apps that offer this functionality. O Canaltech selected four qualified options to perform this task, check it out!
Five apps to measure objects with your cell phone
1. Measure
The Measurement app is native to the iPhone and measures objects and distances using the device’s camera. It uses augmented reality technology to superimpose virtual lines and shapes on the image captured by the camera, allowing the user to take precise measurements.
You can still take advantage of other features, such as calculating area, volume and measuring surface flatness. Finally, you can save the measurements to share the result with others.
- Compatibility: iOS
- Price: free
2. Ruler (Ruler App)
Ruler is an Android application that turns your cell phone into a digital ruler. To make the measurement more accurate, it is recommended to calibrate the app with a regular card, placing it on the screen and adjusting the scale until it matches the actual size.
In addition to the basic measurement function, you can save measurements taken, switch between different measurement units (centimeters, inches) and add annotations to measurements taken.
- Compatibility: Android
- Price: free
3. Prime Ruler
Prime Ruler is a complete application for those who need to make simpler measurements, such as knowing the size of small objects or calculating the area and perimeter of a place. In addition, it is possible to measure the size of 3D objects, calculate the length of the path traveled and measure the height of a person.
To have the advanced features, it is necessary to install the additional components AR Ruler and ARPlan 3D and subscribe to the Premium platform.
- Compatibility: Android
- Price: free to try
4. Magicplan
One of MagicPlan’s differentials is the possibility of creating interactive floor plans from images taken with the cell phone camera. That is, you can walk to a place you want to measure and take pictures with the app. Then, the program uses processing data to detect walls, doors, windows and other architectural elements present in the images.
In addition, MagicPlan offers additional features such as surface and volume calculation, budget creation and export in different formats. This is very useful for anyone looking to renovate or for professionals such as architects, interior designers, builders and real estate agents.
How does Augmented Reality work?
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that makes it possible to superimpose digital information in real time via devices such as cell phones, tablets and smart glasses.
With the help of cameras and sensors, as well as high data processing power, AR is able to recognize elements of the environment and add information to create an immersive and interactive experience.
If you want to know more about the subject, understand in detail the differences, possibilities and applications of Virtual and Augmented Reality.
