vGIS Reality Capture Guide How to create 3D scans in vGIS

Scanning with LiDAR-Enabled Devices

3D scanning with compatible iPhones and iPads is the primary and preferred method of 3D scanning in vGIS.

Check Device Compatibility

You must use a LiDAR-enabled iOS device to utilize this method: iPhone Pro 12/13/14/15 versions and iPad Pro 4th, 5th or 6th generation (2020, 2021 or 2022 models). If you don't know the model of your iPad or iPhone, go to Settings > General, then tap About and check Model Name:

Scanning and Viewing 3D Scans

1. In the vGIS AR app, switch to the AR View (Fig. 1).
2. Tap on Tools and tap on 3D Scan (Fig. 2).
3. Once the scanner screen opens. Click the red button to initiate a scan.
4. Using a steady pace, start scanning. The system will unmask scanned areas while covering the unscanned environment with a red overlay. When you are finished, tap the "Scan" button again.
5. On the scan preview screen, tap the Start button to refine the scan details.
6. If you are satisfied with the scan quality, tap "Share" and "Send to vGIS" to complete the process.

Pro Tips of LiDAR Scanning

Tip 1: Don't move too fast or make sudden turns

Tip 2: Perform scans with a single pass and without re-scanning previously scanned areas

Tip 3: For more precise and clear scans, pause and hover over critical areas for a few seconds

Tip 4: GNSS type affects scan placement accuracy. BadElf, EOS, Leica, Trimble or other compatible Bluetooth receivers allow you to move freely and scan large objects, including long trenches. Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) devices, such as Emlid or viDoc, rely on your starting accuracy for scan placement. With Emlid or viDoc receivers, avoid scanning moving or turning from the moment you press "3D Scan" in vGIS and the moment the scan begins. These devices are not the best for scanning large areas or long trenches as the placement accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Scanning with Regular Phones/Tablets

vGIS photogrammetry-based 3D scanning utilizes the camera in your mobile device to record videos of the area in question to convert them into 3D objects. This is not the primary method for vGIS scanning as the user cannot see what they scan, which may lead to errors, and the accuracy of the final results cannot be validated before the scan is saved.

Scanning

1. In the vGIS AR app, switch to the AR View (Fig. 1).
2. Tap on Tools and tap on 3D Scan (Fig. 2).
3. When selected, the feature will start a video recording mode.
4. Once recording starts, walk head-on along the area you want to capture.

Best Practices and Tips

1. Identify what you want to capture before you start recording.
2. Record in landscape mode.
3. Keep your device at a 45 to 90-degree angle.
4. Move at a constant walking pace and try to adopt a slight 'S' pattern.
5. Don’t pivot around a central point.
6. If you need to capture sideways, don’t pivot; walk sideways instead.
7. Start filming before the start point and stop recording once you are past the end point.
8. Only film what is necessary.
9. Objects that are not within the camera's field of view won't be captured.
10. Avoid moving objects such as people or machinery.
11. Capture wide areas by circling it.
12. When capturing wide trenches film from the side at an angle.
13. Make sure objects are adequately illuminated.
14. For dark trenches use the "wave" technique.
15. Avoid reflective and plain evenly-coloured objects.
16. Avoid recording the same area/object twice.
17. If reflective objects are unavoidable, cover them with some dirt or put other objects on top of them.

Viewing 3D Scans

To view 3D scans in Augmented Reality and vSite, follow the instructions from this video (starting at 2:25).

Admin Troubleshooting

Reviewing Scans

1. Select the Reality Capture tab in the vGIS Admin Portal to view reality capture scans.
2. View information on recorded scans, the model itself, and download the scan when needed all from the vGIS Admin Portal.

Scans Don't Appear in vSite and vGIS AR

1. In the Reality Capture view, confirm the scan's status. It should be green for "processed".
2. Open the Team view and make sure the reality capture data source is included. Then open the reality capture data source for the team.