--- title: "NavVis VLX Scanning Best Practices" slug: "getting-started-with-your-navvis-vlx" updated: 2026-06-03T08:49:02Z published: 2026-06-03T08:49:02Z canonical: "knowledge.navvis.com/getting-started-with-your-navvis-vlx" --- > ## 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. # NavVis VLX Scanning Best Practices The following document describes the preparation, field decisions, and environment-specific considerations that determine whether scan data is complete and reliable enough for everything that follows. If you are new to scanning with the NavVis VLX, begin with the [Start Scanning with NavVis VLX](/v1/docs/cop-951-your-first-scan-with-navvis-vlx-1). **Scope of each document** Each document covers recommended methods, preparation guidance, and key considerations relevant to its topic. The goal in every case is the same: complete scan coverage and data quality that holds up when it matters in processing, in delivery, and in client review. **How to use these documents** These documents focus on what to do and why, not on step-by-step task execution. Where a best practice corresponds to a specific detailed procedure, a direct link to the relevant Knowledge Base article is provided within the document. **On-Site Scanning Best Practices** The following documents describe the best practices for achieving various scanning tasks with the NavVis VLX. - [Scan Outdoor Areas - NavVis VLX](/v1/docs/cop-958-best-practices-for-scanning-indoors-and-outdoors-with-navvis-vlx): Use this guide when a project spans indoor and outdoor areas that must be in one dataset. You'll need planned indoor–outdoor transition points at key doorways and building corners. By the end, you'll have a single continuous scan with clean loop closures across the entire scan area. - [Capture Panoramic Images - NavVis VLX](/v1/docs/cop-959-best-practices-for-capturing-panoramas-with-navvis-vlx): 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. - [Capture Control Points - NavVis VLX](/v1/docs/cop-957-best-practices-for-capturing-surveyed-control-points-with-navvis-vlx-1): Use this guide when the project requires geospatial orientation, and your surveyor has provided marked control points on site. You'll need at least three well-distributed control points with known coordinates. By the end, you'll have a dataset that aligns to project coordinates with minimal rework. - [Scan Obstructed and Complex Objects - NavVis VLX](/v1/docs/cop-954-best-practices-for-scanning-areas-with-large-machines-with-navvis-vlx): Use this guide when a site includes a large machine, such as production equipment, a rack, or a line segment, that must appear sharp, correctly positioned, and complete in the deliverable. You'll need a planned two-pass orbit and the surrounding structural features in view. By the end, you'll have captured the machine with crisp geometry, multi-angle coverage, and readable panoramas. - [Scan Stairs and Corridors - NavVis VLX](/v1/docs/cop-955-best-practices-for-scanning-corridor-and-stairs-with-navvis-vlx): Use this guide when your scan path runs through corridors, landings, and staircases, areas where feature-poor geometry and foot traffic commonly cause SLAM errors. You'll need open access to the full route at low foot traffic times. - [Open Doors While Scanning - NavVis VLX](/v1/docs/cop-960-best-practices-for-scanning-while-opening-doors-with-navvis-vlx): Use this guide when doors along your scan route cannot be propped open in advance and you'll have to open them yourself mid-scan. You'll need a free hand and a clear approach path. By the end, you'll know how to pass through doorways without breaking SLAM. --- ### FAQ #### What does the document cover regarding scan data preparation? The document describes the preparation, field decisions, and environment-specific considerations that determine whether scan data is complete and reliable. #### Is there a guide for beginners using the NavVis VLX? Yes, beginners should start with the 'Start Scanning with NavVis VLX' guide. #### What is the main goal of the documents provided? The main goal is to achieve complete scan coverage and data quality that holds up during processing, delivery, and client review. #### Do the documents provide step-by-step instructions? No, the documents focus on best practices and provide links to detailed procedures in the Knowledge Base. #### What should I do if my project includes both indoor and outdoor areas? Use the 'Scan Outdoor Areas - NavVis VLX' guide to ensure a single continuous scan with clean loop closures. #### How can I ensure high-quality panoramic images? Refer to the 'Capture Panoramic Images - NavVis VLX' guide, which emphasizes the need for clean lenses and even lighting. #### What is required to capture control points effectively? You need at least three well-distributed control points with known coordinates as per the 'Capture Control Points - NavVis VLX' guide. #### Can I scan obstructed and complex objects with the NavVis VLX? Yes, use the 'Scan Obstructed and Complex Objects - NavVis VLX' guide for capturing large machines with crisp geometry. #### What should I do if I need to open doors while scanning? Follow the 'Open Doors While Scanning - NavVis VLX' guide to learn how to pass through doorways without breaking SLAM.