3D scanning or AI generation: which one for your lesson
5 min read
Both give you a 3D model you can rotate and view in AR, but they start from different places. In short: scanning for what you hold in your hands and must be faithful, AI for quick ideas and things you cannot bring to class.
Phone scanning
- Starts from 30–80 real photos of the object, from every side.
- Keeps the true shape, proportions and colours.
- Needs the physical object and a few minutes of capture.
- Produces a textured model plus a file for AR on iPhone.
AI generation
- Starts from a single photo or a written description.
- What is not visible (back, underside) is plausibly guessed, not measured.
- No object needed: works for dinosaurs, planets, castles.
- Fast, good for a preview or an idea.
How to choose
- Museum exhibit, rock, plant, student work: scanning.
- Something not in the classroom or not real at all: AI from text.
- Only an old photo of the object: AI from a photo, stating that it is an approximation.
- Want to discuss AI's limits with students: make both and compare.
For the most faithful result, scan the real object. AI is fast but approximates what it cannot see.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper?
- Per-operation prices are listed on the pricing page; AI models cost less than a scan, which includes 3D processing of every photo.
- Can I improve an AI model?
- Try another photo or a more precise description. For accuracy, scanning remains the right choice.
- Do both work in AR?
- Yes. Both can be placed on the desk through the phone camera and shared with the class.