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Giraffe360 vs CubiCasa: Floor Plan Scanning | PlanSnapper
Both Giraffe360 and CubiCasa generate floor plans automatically, but the hardware requirements, cost, and accuracy are very different. Giraffe360 is a dedicated camera system; CubiCasa works from any smartphone. Here is how to choose.
How each tool works
Giraffe360 is a rotating 360-degree camera on a tripod. You place it in each room, it captures 360 photos and LiDAR-assisted measurements automatically, and the platform processes those into a virtual tour, floor plan, and property listing assets. It is a hardware-first product with a subscription model.
CubiCasa is a smartphone app. You walk through the property slowly, scanning each room, and CubiCasa generates a floor plan from the scan data. No specialized hardware, just the app and a compatible iOS or Android device. Accuracy depends on scan quality and the complexity of the floor plan.
Giraffe360 vs CubiCasa: at a glance
| Giraffe360 | CubiCasa | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Dedicated 360 camera (~$1,500+) | Smartphone only |
| Virtual tour | Yes (integrated) | No |
| Floor plan output | Yes (automated) | Yes (automated, PDF/DXF/PNG) |
| Accuracy | High (LiDAR-assisted) | Good for most homes (~1–3% typical) |
| Cost model | Hardware purchase + subscription | Per-scan credits or subscription |
| Setup per property | 20–40 min (camera placement per room) | 5–15 min (smartphone walkthrough) |
| ANSI GLA calculation | No (floor plan output only) | No (floor plan output only) |
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Measure your floor plan →When to choose Giraffe360
- You need virtual tours and floor plans as a bundled product for listings
- You do enough volume to justify the hardware investment
- Image quality and 360-degree presentation matter for your market
- You want maximum automation with minimal post-processing
When to choose CubiCasa
- You need floor plans only: no virtual tour required
- Low upfront cost is a priority
- You occasionally scan properties and cannot justify dedicated hardware
- You are an agent, appraiser, or investor who needs a quick floor plan from a single visit
What both tools have in common
Neither Giraffe360 nor CubiCasa calculates ANSI GLA directly. Both produce floor plan images or PDFs that are accurate enough to measure from, but the GLA calculation (including above/below-grade distinctions, minimum ceiling height checks, and ANSI methodology) is a separate step.
If you have a Giraffe360 or CubiCasa floor plan and need the GLA number, PlanSnapper works directly from the exported PDF or image.
Already have the floor plan?
PlanSnapper measures ANSI GLA from CubiCasa and Giraffe360 exports in under two minutes. Upload the PDF, trace the perimeter, set one known dimension.
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Related reading
- How to get square footage from a CubiCasa floor plan
- What is gross living area (GLA)?
- ANSI Z765 square footage standard explained
- Floor plan measurement tool for GLA calculation
- Giraffe360 vs iGUIDE: comparison
- How to read a floor plan: symbols, scales, and dimensions
- Floor plan dimensions: how to read and use them for square footage
- Furniture floor plan: how to use one to verify room size
- Using CubiCasa, Matterport, or iGUIDE floor plans: FAQ
- How to prepare your floor plan before uploading: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Giraffe360 and CubiCasa?
Giraffe360 and CubiCasa are different tools with different strengths. The best choice depends on your workflow, budget, and whether you need features like 3D scanning, floor plan generation, GLA calculation, or design capabilities. This page breaks down a direct comparison.
Which is better for real estate appraisers: Giraffe360 or CubiCasa?
Giraffe360 and Cubicasa serve different workflows. Giraffe360 is better suited for one use case while Cubicasa fits another: the right choice depends on whether you need field capture or office-based GLA calculation from existing floor plans.
Can Giraffe360 and CubiCasa be used together?
Giraffe360 and Cubicasa can complement each other in some workflows: for example, using one for field capture and the other for GLA calculation and reporting. Check the comparison table above for specific integration details.
How much does Giraffe360 cost compared to CubiCasa?
Giraffe360 and CubiCasa have different pricing models: one may charge per user, per project, or via annual subscription, while the other may offer a free tier or pay-per-use option. Check the comparison table above for current pricing details and which offers better value for your volume of work.
Which is easier to use: Giraffe360 or CubiCasa?
Ease of use depends on your starting point. Giraffe360 tends to fit one type of user or workflow, while CubiCasa is designed for another. If you are working from an existing floor plan PDF and need to calculate square footage quickly, a browser-based tool like PlanSnapper may reduce the learning curve entirely: no software installation required.
Do I need Giraffe360 or CubiCasa if I already have a floor plan PDF?
If you already have a floor plan as a PDF or image, you may not need either tool. PlanSnapper lets you upload the PDF directly and trace walls in your browser to calculate GLA: no software installation required. Both Giraffe360 and CubiCasa are most useful for creating sketches from scratch or capturing measurements in the field.
Which works better for calculating GLA: Giraffe360 or CubiCasa?
Both Giraffe360 and CubiCasa can support GLA calculation, but the workflow differs. One may require field measurement and sketch entry while the other may allow importing existing floor plans. If your starting point is an existing PDF or image floor plan, PlanSnapper provides a faster path: upload, trace, and get the GLA figure without entering either tool's workflow.
How do Giraffe360 and CubiCasa handle existing floor plan PDFs?
Neither Giraffe360 nor CubiCasa is primarily designed to import and calculate square footage from an existing PDF floor plan. Both tools are built around creating or capturing floor plans from scratch. If you already have a PDF floor plan, PlanSnapper lets you upload it directly, trace the walls, and get an accurate GLA figure without redrawing anything.
Which is better for occasional users: Giraffe360 or CubiCasa?
Giraffe360 and CubiCasa are both specialized tools with learning curves that reward regular use. Occasional users often find dedicated subscription tools hard to justify. For someone who needs to calculate square footage a few times a month, PlanSnapper is designed for exactly that: no training required, no annual contract, upload and measure in minutes.