---
title: "Scan Facades - NavVis MLX"
slug: "cop-967-best-practices-for-scanning-facades-with-navvis-mlx"
description: "Facade scanning with NavVis MLX handles glass, long plain walls and recessed entrances. Walk the perimeter at a slight angle, add offset return passes, slow down at recesses, bays and canopies, then overlap your start point."
updated: 2026-06-03T09:12:05Z
published: 2026-06-03T09:12:05Z
canonical: "knowledge.navvis.com/cop-967-best-practices-for-scanning-facades-with-navvis-mlx"
---

> ## 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.

# Scan Facades - NavVis MLX

## Introduction

Use this guide when scanning a building facade for the first time with NavVis MLX, especially with tricky elements like glass, long plain walls, or recessed entrances. You'll need the building plan, and a clear, feature-rich start point. By the end, you'll have complete facade coverage ready for alignment with interior scans.

# Before You Go on Site

## 1. Analyze the building plan

- Identify all facades you must capture.
- Note corners, doors, canopies, overhangs, deep doorways or recesses, and large glass areas.
- Mark areas that may need extra passes, such as long, uniform walls or recessed entrances.

## 2. Choose a clear start point

- Select a spot that is easy to find again, such as a main entrance.
- Prefer locations with features like frames, columns, ceilings, signs. These details help:
  - Align neighboring scans.
  - Verify alignment quality in the overlap areas.

# Best Practices for Scanning Facades

## 1. Walk the perimeter of the building

- Keep the facade in view the whole time.
- Avoid walking too close and perfectly parallel to facade. Stay at a slight angle so window frames stay visible.

![A woman uses a device while walking along a pathway near a building.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/facade MLX 1.jpg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-14T07%3A48%3A47Z&se=2026-10-14T08%3A48%3A47Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=5fM3EFI9aQwfwspmIuT9Y6kFnqSXvrQcmm3f3JXQlTI%3D)

- Make sure you pass corners, columns, signs, and downspouts. These features help the SLAM algorithm keep track of your movement.

## 2. Add a few return passes

On long, straight sides of the building:

- Walk along the facade at a distance that achieves the point cloud density required for your project.
- Then walk back along the same side, slightly shifted from your initial path, so that you cross your previous path regularly.

You do not need additional panoramic images here; they are already captured during your walk.

![A diagram illustrating a complex pathway with directional arrows indicating movement.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/loop-closures-image-sxfpf90o(1).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-14T07%3A48%3A47Z&se=2026-10-14T08%3A48%3A47Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=5fM3EFI9aQwfwspmIuT9Y6kFnqSXvrQcmm3f3JXQlTI%3D)

- By walking forward and then backward with a slight offset, you
  - Improve the coverage of the final point cloud.
  - Provide more information for the SLAM algorithm to reconstruct a more accurate point cloud.

## 3. Pay attention to depth changes

For areas such as recesses, bays, arcades, or big canopies:

- Slow down and keep the device steady.
- Make more than one pass around these features to improve coverage of all surfaces.
- Add a slow turn so NavVis MLX sees all parts of the facade, including ceilings, beams, and underside details.

![A person holding a device near a building entrance, preparing for data collection.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/facade MLX 2.jpg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-14T07%3A48%3A47Z&se=2026-10-14T08%3A48%3A47Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=5fM3EFI9aQwfwspmIuT9Y6kFnqSXvrQcmm3f3JXQlTI%3D)

## 4. Finish with overlap at your starting point

- Return to your starting location, but ensure there is some overlap rather than just touching the start point.
- If scanning inside as well, re-enter and end the scan near where you began. This loop closure is important for alignment.

**View this short video on scanning a facades:**

[Scanning a Facade with the NavVis MLX](https://player.vimeo.com/video/1159663423?h=88433b0fce&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479)

---

### FAQ

#### What is the purpose of this guide?

This guide is designed to assist users in scanning a building facade for the first time with NavVis MLX, particularly when dealing with challenging elements.

#### What should I analyze before going on site?

You should analyze the building plan to identify all facades to capture, noting features like corners, doors, and large glass areas.

#### How do I choose a clear start point for scanning?

Select a spot that is easy to find again, such as a main entrance, preferably with features that help align neighboring scans.

#### Is it necessary to walk the perimeter of the building?

Yes, walking the perimeter while keeping the facade in view is crucial for effective scanning.

#### Should I make return passes on long, straight sides of the building?

Yes, adding return passes helps improve the coverage of the final point cloud.

#### What should I do in areas with depth changes?

In such areas, slow down, keep the device steady, and make multiple passes to improve coverage.

#### Is it important to finish with overlap at the starting point?

Yes, ensuring overlap at the starting point is important for alignment, especially if scanning inside as well.

#### Can I view a video on scanning facades?

Yes, there is a short video available that demonstrates how to scan facades.