{"id":590,"date":"2026-08-01T21:22:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T20:22:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/?p=590"},"modified":"2026-08-06T21:35:03","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T20:35:03","slug":"tech-spotlight-heges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/shusize\/2026\/08\/01\/tech-spotlight-heges\/","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udca1 Tech Spotlight: Heges"},"content":{"rendered":"
Discover how Heges is making 3D scanning more accessible by transforming LiDAR-enabled mobile devices into powerful tools for creating detailed digital models.<\/div>\n

Essential Information at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>\nInformation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Technology<\/td>\nSmartphone-based 3D scanning app<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Company\/Developer<\/td>\nMarek Simonik<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
First Released<\/td>\nAvailable on the Apple App Store since at least 2018 (based on App Store history)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Still Available?<\/td>\nYes, available via Apple’s App Store at the time of writing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Website<\/td>\nHeges Official Website<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
App Store<\/td>\nHeges on Apple App Store<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Platform<\/td>\niPhone and iPad<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Compatible Devices<\/td>\nDevices with FaceID (TrueDepth camera) and\/or LiDAR sensor.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Purpose<\/td>\nGeneral 3D scanning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Designed for Human Body?<\/td>\nPartially. Can scan people but was not developed specifically as a medical or anthropometric device.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Designed for Objects?<\/td>\nYes. Objects are a major intended use case.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Outputs<\/td>\nSTL, OBJ, PLY, USDZ, GLB files.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Privacy<\/td>\nDeveloper states data remain on device unless users choose to share it.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/td>\nFree download but 3D scanning functionality requires a paid upgrade. Exact pricing may vary by region.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Intended Market<\/td>\nConsumers, hobbyists, developers, educators and researchers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Research Validation<\/td>\nLimited evidence specifically for Heges in anthropometry.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\n

What is Heges?<\/h2>\n

Heges is a mobile 3D scanning application that turns compatible iPhones and iPads into portable scanners. It uses Apple’s built-in depth-sensing cameras to create three-dimensional digital models of people, objects and environments.<\/p>\n

Unlike traditional body scanners that can cost thousands of pounds, Heges uses hardware already present in many modern Apple devices. This makes it one of the most affordable ways to access 3D scanning technology.<\/p>\n

The app allows users to export scans into several industry-standard formats which can then be analysed in external software.<\/p>\n

Who Created Heges?<\/h2>\n

Heges was developed by Marek Simonik<\/strong>, an independent software developer. The project originally focused on making use of Apple’s TrueDepth and LiDAR technologies for low-cost 3D scanning. The app became popular because it provided access to 3D scanning without requiring specialist hardware.<\/p>\n

How Does Heges Work?<\/h2>\n

Heges can use two different sensors:<\/p>\n

TrueDepth Camera (FaceID): This is the front-facing camera used for FaceID authentication.\u00a0The Heges developer states that the TrueDepth camera provides the most accurate scans and can capture very fine surface detail.<\/p>\n

LiDAR:\u00a0LiDAR is located on newer iPhone Pro and iPad Pro models.The developer recommends LiDAR for scanning large objects, rooms and spaces rather than highly detailed body measurements.\u00a0Interestingly, the developer states that TrueDepth is substantially more accurate than LiDAR for fine-detail scanning.<\/p>\n

Can Heges Be Used for Anthropometry?<\/h2>\n

The short answer is yes, but with caution.\u00a0Heges can create a digital 3D model of the body. From that model it is possible to estimate:<\/p>\n