RTAB vs Precision Transit Level mini
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
RTAB
This utility app enables real-time 3D scanning and mapping of environments using LiDAR or RGB-D sensors. It features online loop closure detection and map optimization for immediate feedback, with export options for various 3D formats.
- Online 3D scanning and mapping
- Loop closure detection and map correction
- Save maps in DB format
- Export in PLY, LAS, or OBJ
- Multi-session mapping
- AR/VR visualization mode
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RTAB-Map (Real-Time Appearance-Based Mapping) is an Open Source LiDAR / RGB-D / Stereo Graph-Based SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) approach based on an online incremental appearance-based loop closure detector. The loop closure detector uses a bag-of-words approach to determinate how likely a new image comes from a previous location or a new location. When a loop closure hypothesis is accepted, a new constraint is added to the map's graph, then a graph optimizer minimizes the errors in the map in real-time. An optional memory management approach can be used to limit the number of locations used for loop closure detection and graph optimization, so that real-time constraints on large-scale environnements are always respected. ARKit's visual inertial odometry (VIO) is used as the SLAM front-end for RTAB-Map (the SLAM back-end). * Note that unlike other scanning apps that optimize the map only after mapping, with RTAB-Map you get loop closure detection and map optimization online so you can have a live feedback to know when you have enough constraints in the map for good global optimization before stopping the scan. *** 3D reconstruction available only with LiDAR sensor. Features: * Online 3D scanning/mapping of the environment. * Online loop closure detection and map correction. * Save in DB format (RTAB-Map desktop and rtabmap_ros format). * Export in PLY, LAS or OBJ. * Multi-session mapping (save and continue later). * Use Apriltags to help finding loop closures in textureless environments. * Mixed AR/VR First-Person in visualization mode. * Raw ARKit data recording (up to 60 Hz!), useful to record long sessions without comprising battery life.
Precision Transit Level mini
This app uses LiDAR and augmented reality to measure distances, slopes, and levels in your environment. Place virtual measuring sticks to calculate rise, run, and deflection for precise construction or landscaping tasks.
- LiDAR and AR measurement
- Virtual measuring sticks
- Calculate slope, rise, and run
- Real-time HUD
- Auto Zoom
- Step-by-step navigation
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LiDAR, along with mixed reality technology lets you place two measuring sticks right in the scene from the camera. It accurately reads both the horizontal and vertical differences between the two points generating for you the run, the rise, the slope, and the deflection of the mid point. Easily dig ditches and install drains with precise slope. With a range to target up to 18 feet(6 meters), you can shoot grade right from your seat on the back-hoe(or whatever). A max range of 100 meters thanks to the device constantly updating its position with the Augmented Reality interface. - Super fast start up each time, picks up where you left off. - Single screen with Heads Up Display(HUD) for realtime operation. - Auto Zoom toggles anytime. - Six step navigation lets you advance one step at time forward with the "GO" button and the same for the "BACK" button. GET STARTED Step 1 - Set origin: Aim the red pointer for the target and tap "GO". Remember you are placing a measuring stick here, not a micrometer. If you are not satisfied, tap "BACK". It is real easy to do over. Step 1 - Neutral: The measuring stick is now fixed but will still rotate to face you. This is a good time to adjust the "WATER" level ,if needed, with the stepper in the upper left-hand corner of the view. Notice how the water "puddles" so you can see low spots that might not be noticed. When you go up with the water level it advances one inch at a time. Notice how it "fills" the scene and wraps around irregular shapes with ease for easy marking. You can either watch your own hand in the scene, or you can guide an assistant to the right position. Step 2 - Set length: Two more measuring sticks are now active. Stretch it to right place and tap "GO". You have a dashboard gauge in the upper right-hand corner for the "Ruler". This is the actual distance between the two points. In the bottom left-hand corner there is "LENGTH" which is the horizontal distance between the two points. Below it is the "SLOPE" which gives the angle in degrees between the two points. 0.6 degrees is 1/8 inch per foot. 1.2 degrees is 1/4 inch per foot. The bottom most gauge on the right is the "LEVEL". This is the vertical distance between the two points. Step 2 - Neutral: Everything is frozen for closer inspection and evaluation. Step 3 - Set Width: The width can be stretched in either direction off the baseline. The "SLOPE" gauge transforms to "WIDTH". Step 3 - Neutral: Adjust the "HEIGHT" , if needed, with stepper in the upper right-hand corner. It increments one inch at a time. The box stays on top of the water. The two gauges in the bottom right corner are for "AREA"(represented in square feet or square meters), and the "VOLUME" one uses cubic yards, or cubic meters. A LiDAR-equipped device is recommended.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: RTAB at 100% against Precision Transit Level mini's 50%. RTAB also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.4) and ratings volume (41 vs 5). Precision Transit Level mini's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
RTAB holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RTAB has 41 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of RTAB's written reviews are positive against 50% of Precision Transit Level mini's.
RTAB ships an update every 5 months, Precision Transit Level mini monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RTAB | Precision Transit Level mini |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (41 ratings) — better | 3.4 (5 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 41 — better | 5 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 16.3 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 20 MB | 10 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mathieu Labbe | David King |
Customer experience
RTAB
Precision Transit Level mini
In-app purchases
RTAB
No in-app purchases
Precision Transit Level mini
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is RTAB free?
Is Precision Transit Level mini free?
Which has better reviews, RTAB or Precision Transit Level mini?
Do RTAB or Precision Transit Level mini have ads?
Which is updated more often, RTAB or Precision Transit Level mini?
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