---
title: "Start Scanning with NavVis VLX"
slug: "cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-1"
updated: 2026-06-03T08:49:36Z
published: 2026-06-03T08:49:36Z
canonical: "knowledge.navvis.com/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-1"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.navvis.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Start Scanning with NavVis VLX

## Introduction

Use this guide the first time you run a scan with NavVis VLX, or as a refresher before a job. You'll need fully powered batteries, and the SSD card inserted. By the end, you'll have a complete dataset saved and ready to transfer for processing.

## 1. Set Up Your Device

Before starting a scan, take a few minutes to make sure your device is [set up](/v1/docs/setup-1) correctly and is ready to go. Skipping this step can lead to poor data quality or interrupted sessions in the field.

### Power On the Device

Put the device in a stable position and power on the device. Wait 30 seconds for it to complete the IMU initialization. Confirm there are no errors displayed before proceeding.

| ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-81nnxtp0.png) | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-cblxovb5.png) |
| --- | --- |

## 2. Scanning Process

### Start a New Dataset

Tap **New Dataset** on the display and enter the name of the dataset, and follow the on-screen instructions.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-u78a1f08.png)

Start walking at a moderate, steady pace. Monitor the quality map on the display, the screen turns blue to indicate successful scanning coverage.

| **![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-3ggf06xu.png)** | **![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-74so3zeu.png)** |
| --- | --- |

### Understanding the Quality Map

The scanning path is displayed as a solid white line on the quality map.

| **Color/Icon** | **What it means** |
| --- | --- |
| A red circle icon ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-rm965yvu.png) | Indicates the location of a 360° panoramic image |
| Solid bright blue | Everything is well-covered |
| Dark green | Ground captured, ceiling missing |
| Light green | Ceiling captured, ground missing |

![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/information-hexagon (2)(1).svg)**Knowledge base:**For detailed information refer to [Quality Map](/v1/docs/dashboard#interpreting-the-information-shown-on-the-quality-map).

### Achieving full scanning coverage

If you see dark green or light green areas on the quality map, slow down and expose the laser scanners to these areas. Keep scanning until the area turns a solid bright blue on the quality map.

### Monitor Your Speed Indicator Bar

As you scan, monitor the speed indicator bar. If you move or turn too fast, the bar will turn red. Keep your pace moderate to avoid SLAM errors.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-u7f5gakc.png)

### Loop Closures

A loop closure occurs when you revisit the same location within a dataset. Loop closures help ensure the dataset's accuracy. Cross your previous path to create a loop closure.

![Diagram illustrating a complex pathway with directional arrows and highlighted junctions.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/indicated loop-closures-image.png)

![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/information-hexagon (2)(1).svg)**Knowledge base:**For detailed information refer to [Loop Closures](/v1/docs/loop-closures-1).

### Capturing Panoramic Images

#### Panorama Capture Modes

There are three modes:

- **Manual:** Stand still, press the trigger button above the handle, wait for the camera trigger sound, then continue.
- **Auto:** When you hear the camera trigger sound, stop walking, wait 2 seconds, then continue.
- **Continuous:**The device captures images automatically as you walk. No button press needed.

| ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-956vqd7r.png) | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-hz91mhlo.png) |
| --- | --- |

![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/information-hexagon (2).svg) **Knowledge base:**For detailed information refer to [Capturing Panoramas](/v1/docs/triggering-the-cameras)

## 3. Check, Save and Finish

Review the quality map:

- Confirm the map is predominantly solid bright blue with no significant gaps.
- Check that panoramic image icons are distributed evenly throughout the scanned area, no large gaps.
- Open individual panoramas check for motion blur. If found, capture the panorama again while standing still.

| ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-3g4jwahs.png) | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-boo6lmvy.png) |
| --- | --- |

If the quality map looks good and no major issues are present:

1. Tap **Pause**.
2. Tap the **Save** button.
3. Select **Finish**.

Your dataset is now saved to the SSD card.

| ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-e5kx11th.png) | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-u4xhvpzt.png) |
| --- | --- |
| Tap **Save**. | Tap **Finish**. |

## 4. Retrieve Your Dataset

To access your datasets:

1. Remove the SSD card from the NavVis VLX.
2. Connect the SSD card to your computer using the SSD Adapter Cables provided in the box.
3. Open the dataset_rec folder. The dataset will be marked with the date of the scan

![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-image-8fxx0sk4.png)

---

### FAQ

#### What should I do before starting a scan with NavVis VLX?

Ensure that the device is set up correctly, with fully powered batteries and the SSD card inserted.

#### How do I power on the NavVis VLX device?

Place the device in a stable position and power it on. Wait 30 seconds for IMU initialization and check for any error messages.

#### What does the quality map indicate during scanning?

The quality map shows the scanning path and coverage, with colors indicating areas of successful coverage or missing data.

#### What should I do if I see dark green or light green areas on the quality map?

Slow down and ensure the laser scanners are exposed to these areas until they turn solid bright blue.

#### How can I capture panoramic images during the scan?

You can use three modes: Manual, Auto, or Continuous, depending on your preference for capturing images.

#### What steps should I follow to save my dataset after scanning?

Tap Pause, then tap Save, and finally select Finish to save your dataset to the SSD card.

#### How do I retrieve my dataset from the NavVis VLX?

Remove the SSD card from the device, connect it to your computer using the provided adapter cables, and open the dataset_rec folder.

#### Is it important to monitor my speed while scanning?

Yes, maintaining a moderate pace is crucial to avoid SLAM errors indicated by a red speed indicator bar.

#### What is a loop closure in the context of scanning?

A loop closure occurs when you revisit the same location within a dataset, helping to ensure the accuracy of the data.