You can change the camera settings while scanning.
Tap Settings from the main screen or scanning screen.
Tap the Camera option. The Camera settings screen opens.
Panorama capture modes
NavVis CLX provides two capture modes to match different scanning environments and hardware setups:
Manual mode: The operator manually triggers each panorama using the handle trigger button for maximum control over placement.
Auto mode (automatic capture): The device automatically triggers panoramas based on configured distance intervals.
Manual panorama capture
In manual mode, you control exactly when and where each image is taken. This ensures maximum clarity and minimal motion blur, making it ideal for points of interest, complex geometry, tight spaces, signage/asset IDs, thresholds, and stairwells.
In the camera settings, set Capture mode to Manual.
How to capture a 270-degree panorama in manual mode
Hold the NavVis CLX steady in the harness system in the normal scanning position, with the device in front of you.
Stand still, any movement can cause blurriness.
Press the trigger button on the handle once, briefly.
Listen for the audio click. A white three-quarter circle icon appears on the map display indicating the location and orientation of the 270° panorama.
How to capture a 360-degree panorama in manual mode
Stop and verify adequate overhead clearance.
Lift the NavVis CLX above your head, resting the base close to your forehead to keep yourself out of the field of view.
Press and hold the trigger button on the handle for longer than usual (more than approximately 6 seconds) until you hear a camera shutter sound confirming the panorama capture.
A preview of the panorama appears on the device display, showing the three images from the cameras. On the map, a red circle icon marks the location of the 360° panorama capture.
If the automatic preview is distracting, disable it in the camera Settings in the scanning UI.
Auto panorama capture mode
Auto mode triggers panoramas automatically at pre-configured distance intervals. This mode is best suited for large, open environments where even coverage is prioritized over precise placement, as well as elevated scanning setups.
Select Auto in the Capture mode setting.
Configure the distance between auto triggers to match your environment.
Begin scanning at a consistent walking pace.
When the trigger beep sounds, stop and hold the device steady until capture completes.
Resume walking until the next trigger.
Note
This mode works best for large, open environments where even coverage matters more than exact image placement.
Capturing Panoramas with the NavVis CLX Extension Pole
When capturing elevated areas (such as ceiling voids, spaces above machinery, or elevated structures), use the NavVis CLX Extension Pole
Follow these panorama capture tips:
Use Automatic Capture Mode: Because the screen and physical handle trigger are out of reach when the pole is extended, always configure Auto mode before elevating the device.
Pause on Every Capture: When you hear the capture notification beep, stop walking and hold the pole as upright and steady as possible until the capture completes.
Maintain Smooth, Slow Movement: Walk carefully to reduce pole sway, vibration, and abrupt angular changes.
Extend Only as Needed: Use the shortest pole length required for the line of sight. Shorter extensions are significantly easier to stabilize.
Orient Towards Target Areas: Point the device toward the elevated surfaces or voids you want to capture before raising the pole.
Ensure Overlap & Coverage: Plan your path so that elevated panoramas maintain line-of-sight overlap without large gaps between capture points.
Safety & Clearance: Maintain a safe distance from overhead obstacles, lighting, sprinklers, and power lines.
Choosing the modes
When you plan a scan, choose the panorama capture mode that best balances speed, image quality, and the planned scanning path for your environment.
Scanning Scenario / Environment | Recommended Mode | Rationale |
Elevated scanning (Extension Pole, ceilings, above obstacles) | Auto | Screen and trigger are inaccessible; ensures even capture while allowing operator to pause and stabilize. |
Standard route / General indoor scanning | Manual | Default mode; provides highest data quality and deliberate image placement. |
Intersections, room centers, key vantage points | Manual (360°) | Full spherical coverage without operator obstruction. |
Long, straight open corridors or large halls | Auto | Rapid, consistent coverage over large distances with minimal operator intervention. |
Tight spaces, doors/thresholds, assets, stairs | Manual (270°) | Precise positioning and crisp focus without motion artifacts. |
Complex architectural layouts with heavy occlusions | Manuel | Precise control to supplement or fill gaps in auto coverage. |
Best Practice Tip: Maintain a minimum distance of 1 m (3.3 ft) from walls and surrounding objects to ensure optimal image quality and stitching.