🌳 LiDAR Tree Measuring Tool 

📌 Overview

The LiDAR Tree Measuring Tool allows field crews to measure Tree Height and DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) directly using their iPhone camera—eliminating manual measuring and improving speed in the field.

This feature is available only on LiDAR-enabled iPhones (iPhone 12 Pro and newer).

📱 Device Compatibility

✅ Supported Devices

• iPhone 12 Pro and newer (Pro / Pro Max models)

❌ Unsupported Devices

• iPhone 12 (non-Pro) and other non-LiDAR devices

What happens on unsupported devices:

• User taps ruler icon
• A “LiDAR Required” alert appears
• Measurement does not proceed

🚀 How to Use the LiDAR Tool

1. Open the Measurement Tool

Steps:

1. Navigate to a Tree Detail Page
2. Tap the ruler icon next to:
   • DBH field or
   • Height field

📏 Measuring Tree Height

2. Camera Measurement View Opens

Once activated:

• The camera view launches
• The system begins scanning using LiDAR

3. Capture Height (Two Modes)

✅ Normal Mode (Accurate Measurement)

• LiDAR successfully detects the treetop
• A measurement line appears:
  • 🔴 Red base (ground)
  • 🔵 Blue dot (treetop)
• Exact height is displayed (e.g., 42’)

⚠️ Fallback Mode (Estimated Measurement)

Occurs when:

• LiDAR cannot reach treetop
• User is too far away
• Angle is too steep

What you’ll see:

• No measurement line
• Value with “~” prefix (e.g., ~56’)

• Warning message:

  Estimated (LiDAR couldn’t reach treetop — may be several feet off)

4. Save Measurement

• Tap Use Measurement → value is saved
• Tap Reset → retry measurement

After saving:

• User is returned to the Tree Detail Page
• Height field is automatically updated

🌲 Measuring DBH (Diameter)

1. Position the Crosshair

• Align the “+” icon at the center of the trunk (breast height)

2. Capture Measurement

• Tap to measure
• A line appears across the trunk
• DBH value is displayed
• Measurement adjustments can be made using the "-" and "+" icons 

3. Save

• Tap Use Measurement to save
• Value populates the DBH field

⚠️ Accuracy Guidelines

Measurement accuracy depends on positioning, angle, and scan quality:

💡 Best Practices

• Stand close enough to capture full tree height
• Keep device steady while scanning
• Avoid steep angles when possible
• Ensure clear line of sight (no obstructions)
• Use Reset if measurement looks off

⚠️ Common Issues

“LiDAR Required” Message

• Device does not support LiDAR
• Solution: Use supported iPhone (Pro models)

No Measurement Line Appears

• You are in Fallback Mode
• Try:
  • Moving closer
  • Adjusting angle
  • Re-scanning

Inaccurate Measurement

• Likely due to:
  • Movement during scan
  • Poor angle
  • Incomplete tree visibility

🧩 Summary Workflow

1. Tap ruler icon
2. Camera view opens
3. Scan tree
4. Review measurement (Normal or Fallback)
5. Tap Use Measurement
6. Value saves automatically