VisualSitemaps vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | VisualSitemaps | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free tier + Pro $49/mo (billed annually) or $69/mo monthly | Free tier + Pro $19.99/mo (billed annually) or $39.99/mo monthly |
| Core Use Case | Automated visual sitemaps and HD screenshots for UX, SEO, IA analysis | 3D scanning and floor plan generation for AEC, forensics, product design, media |
| Key Feature | AI-optimized IA analysis, scheduled crawls, visual change detection, Google Drive/Figma integration | LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, AI floor plans, drone processing, Gaussian splatting, HDRI lighting |
| Export Formats | PDF, XML, CSV, JSON | GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF |
| Target Market | UX/UI designers, web developers, SEO strategists, product owners | Architects, engineers, forensics, product designers, media professionals |
| Recent Update | No recent news captured | HDRI lighting with 5 presets (2026-02-23); improved library UI (2026-03-13) |
Choose Polycam if you need 3D scanning, floor plans, or LiDAR-based reality capture for architecture, forensics, or product design. Choose VisualSitemaps if you need automated visual sitemaps and AI-driven IA analysis for website redesign, UX audit, or SEO planning — they solve completely different problems, so let your domain decide.
AI-powered visual sitemaps and HD screenshots for website planning, SEO, and UX analysis.
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AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.
Visit WebsiteWhat real users say: VisualSitemaps vs Polycam
Not marketing copy and not our opinion — a structured sweep of public discussion (reviews, forums, communities and video comments), showing what people praise and what they complain about for each tool.
VisualSitemaps
5 mentions across 1 sources · 55% positive — mixed
Hacker News
What users praise
- • Automated visual sitemaps with HD screenshots save hours of manual work.
- • Handles password-protected sites via encrypted credentials – unique advantage.
- • AI-powered optimization for IA, SEO, and UX is genuinely useful.
- • Scheduled crawls with change detection aid competitor monitoring.
What frustrates them
- • Blank render bug after element selection undermines reliability.
- • Automated crawling may strip important content from sitemaps.
- • Very limited community feedback makes evaluation difficult.
- • Manual CSS class entry required for complex sites – not seamless.
Researched Jul 3, 2026
Polycam
61 mentions across 4 sources · 55% positive — mixed
Hacker News, YouTube, Product Hunt, App Store
What users praise
- • Fast, easy LiDAR scans with minimal learning curve.
- • Generates mesh, floor plan, and idealized model from one scan.
- • Cross-platform with iOS, Android, and web support.
- • Free tier includes valuable tools like AI generator and Gaussian splat.
What frustrates them
- • Scan reliability is spotty: failed uploads, lost tracking, backdrop capture.
- • Dimensions and full floor plans locked behind $400 paywall.
- • Curved walls and stairs render angular, forcing Matterport for pros.
- • Confusing free/paid feature split, feels like dark patterns.
Researched Aug 18, 2026
Who should pick which
- Architect needing floor plansPick: Polycam
Polycam generates automatic floor plans with measurements from LiDAR or photos, and the floor plan editor now lets you drag overlapping objects — perfect for on-site documentation.
- UX designer auditing site IAPick: VisualSitemaps
VisualSitemaps automatically crawls any URL to produce interactive visual sitemaps with AI-optimization reports, ideal for redesign planning and stakeholder communication.
- Product designer scanning prototypesPick: Polycam
Polycam's LiDAR and photogrammetry capture details of physical prototypes, exports to CAD-friendly formats like OBJ and STL, and the new HDRI presets improve lighting for rendering.
- SEO strategist optimizing site structurePick: VisualSitemaps
VisualSitemaps' AI analysis identifies topical gaps and hierarchy issues, and reports export as PDF/Markdown/CSV for easy integration into SEO workflows.
- Forensics team documenting scenesPick: Polycam
Polycam's fast LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry with accurate measurements provide court-ready 3D models, and exports to point cloud formats like PLY and LAS.
Frequently Asked Questions
VisualSitemaps vs Polycam: which should you choose?
Choose Polycam if you need 3D scanning, floor plans, or LiDAR-based reality capture for architecture, forensics, or product design. Choose VisualSitemaps if you need automated visual sitemaps and AI-driven IA analysis for website redesign, UX audit, or SEO planning — they solve completely different problems, so let your domain decide.
Can Polycam be used for websites?
No, Polycam is strictly a 3D scanning and reality capture tool. For website sitemaps, use VisualSitemaps.
Does VisualSitemaps create 3D models?
No, VisualSitemaps generates 2D visual sitemaps with screenshots, not 3D content.
Which tool is more affordable?
Polycam Pro ($19.99/mo annual) is cheaper than VisualSitemaps Pro ($49/mo annual). Both have free tiers.
Do both tools offer AI features?
Yes. Polycam has beta AI 3D model and texture generators; VisualSitemaps offers AI-optimized IA analysis and reports.
Can I export Polycam scans to CAD software?
Yes, Polycam exports to DXF, DAE, OBJ, STL, and other formats suitable for CAD and BIM workflows.
Can VisualSitemaps crawl private websites?
Yes, it supports password-protected sites with encrypted credentials and also works with private URLs.
Does Polycam work with drones?
Yes, Polycam includes drone photogrammetry processing to create 3D models and maps from drone imagery.
Does VisualSitemaps integrate with Figma?
Yes, VisualSitemaps integrates with Figma and Google Drive for seamless design workflow.
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026