Introduction
Use this guide when panorama quality matters, for navigation, client review, or readable labels, not just point-cloud geometry. You'll need clean lenses and even lighting. By the end, you'll have sharp, evenly spaced panoramas with the extra density in areas where they are needed.
For detailed information on how to capture and manage panoramas with NavVis VLX, refer to:
Prepare Before You Capture
Clean all NavVis VLX lenses before each session with the provided cloth.
Check the lenses again after you move between areas (for example, from outdoors to indoors).
Turn on the available lights to create bright, even lighting. Avoid strong back lighting when possible.
Capture Panoramas With Consistent Spacing
Capture a panorama every 3 m as a baseline.
Capture panoramas more often in complex or detail-rich areas (for example, dense equipment, piping, or storage).
Capture an extra panorama at junctions, doorways, and tight turns to improve coverage and navigation.
Stand Still for Single-Shot Panoramas
Stop completely before you capture.
Stand still while NavVis VLX captures the panorama.
Keep a stable stance and avoid turning your body until the capture finishes.
Use Continuous Pano Capture Mode for Efficient Scanning
Continuous Pano mode lets you focus on scanning rather than manually triggering each panorama. This helps reduce missed panoramas and saves time on site.
Panoramas captured while moving may be darker or blurred, particularly in low-light conditions.
For readable signs, labels, or other important details, stop and capture an additional manual panorama without leaving Continuous Pano mode.
For capture-distance configuration and other settings, see Capturing Panoramas.
Use Continuous Pano mode as the standard for large scans in good lighting conditions
Walk at a steady pace.
Turn slowly and avoid abrupt direction changes.
Example: Manual and Continuous Panorama Capture
The examples below compare outdoor panoramas captured in Manual mode and Continuous Pano mode.
Panorama captured in Manual mode
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Panorama captured in Continuous Pano mode
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If you need clearer details, stop and capture an additional manual panorama while Continuous Pano mode remains active.If you walk in narrow corridors where 1 m clearance is not possible, stay as centered as you can and capture panoramas more frequently.
Keep Clearance From Surroundings
Keep about 1 m distance from nearby walls, ceilings, and objects when possible.
If you walk in narrow corridors where 1 m clearance is not possible, stay as centered as you can and capture panoramas more frequently.
Increase Density Where Detail Matters
Capture panoramas more often where people may need to read small details later (for example, labels, signage, wall text, and control panels).
Follow the 3 m spacing rule elsewhere.
FAQ
What lighting conditions help produce clear panoramas?
Use available lights to create bright, even illumination, avoid strong backlighting, and ensure rooms are sufficiently lit before scanning.
How should I move when using Continuous Pano Mode?
Walk at a steady pace, turn slowly, and avoid sudden changes in direction. Moving too quickly or scanning in low light can cause darker or blurred images.
Can I capture a manual panorama while Continuous Pano Mode is active?
Yes. Stop and take an additional manual panorama without exiting Continuous Pano Mode when signs, labels, or other important details need to be clearer.
How much space should I keep between the device and surrounding objects?
Keep approximately 1 meter from nearby walls, ceilings, and objects whenever possible. In narrow corridors, stay centered and capture panoramas more frequently.