Use this procedure when the NavVis MLX does not capture an object at the expected distance. The NavVis MLX LiDAR has an operating range of up to 50 m, so objects at 10 m for example are well within range. When distant objects are missing, the cause is typically limited geometry in view, weak SLAM, poor scan angle, occlusion, motion, dirty or wet optics, or a hardware or software issue.
What to check
Confirm the distance: Check that the target is within 50 m.
Check SLAM status: Check whether the SLAM Status bar turns weak or lost. If SLAM weakens, slow down or stop. Move the NavVis MLX toward clear geometric features, such as walls, doors, corners, poles, or fixed edges.
Check available features: Check whether the area is open, sparse, plain, or repetitive. Scan closer to stable structures. Keep walls, fences, columns, or building edges in view. In sparse areas, add temporary geometry, such as cones, boxes, or tripods.
Check line of sight: Check whether furniture, machinery, people, doors, or clutter block the object. Approach the object from multiple directions. Walk around obstacles.
Check device orientation: Keep the NavVis MLX upright and pointed toward the target area. In corridors or stairs, keep both walls visible when possible.
Check walking speed and movement: Walk at a moderate, steady pace. Avoid sudden turns.
Check quality map coverage: Look for areas on the quality map that remain dark green or light green instead of solid bright blue. Rescan the area more slowly. Point the laser toward the uncovered surfaces until coverage improves.
Check optics condition: Check whether lenses or sensors are dirty, smudged, wet, or affected by condensation. Stop scanning if you see dirt, moisture, or condensation. If you suspect condensation, turn off the NavVis MLX and clean or dry it before you restart.
Check target type: Check whether the object is thin, partly hidden, or low in geometric detail. Pass the object from two or three viewpoints.
Check software and hardware health: On the NavVis MLX display, go to Settings > About to check the software version. If an update is available, install it via the UI.
When to escalate
Escalate to Support if the same issue appears repeatedly after cleaning the device, rescanning slowly, improving geometry visibility, and testing in a feature-rich area. Include the raw dataset, screenshots of the affected area, the software version, and a short description of the environment and expected distance