How do I perform an effective scan?

A successful scan is key to getting the most out of Oculo. Following these guidelines will help you get the best quality output.

When doing a scan for the first time, it is important to remember that this phase has a direct impact on the output quality and utility of Oculo. You may upload a scan and find that the footage is blurred, making it difficult to work with, or that areas are too dark to see clearly. This article will give you all the information you require to complete your scan successfully. 

The key elements to remember are:

1. Ensure good lighting
2. Make one recording
3. Do not walk too quickly
4. Walk around rooms ~2m from perimeter walls
5. Do not use elevators

Starting Location

1. With the latest app version, you are able to choose your start and end location.
2. You will be prompted to choose your starting location by pinpointing it on the floor plans of the site. You can navigate the different levels from the "Select a floor" drop down menu.
   
3. Once you finish your scan, the same prompt will come up, for you to choose your end location this time.
   
   

The More Light the Better

1. Ensure there is good lighting throughout the site.
2. Record during daylight where possible - switch on any additional lights and open any curtains or blinds in advance of the walk to ensure it is as bright as possible.
3. Consider using additional lighting for areas where this is not possible, such as in basements or areas with no natural light. If static lighting is not available, please consider a 360 halo lighting system rather than torches or mobile phone lights - get in touch at help@oculo.ai for more info.
   
   

One Recording

1. Where possible given hardware and site constraints - create one long recording instead of stopping and starting on different sections or levels.
   
   
2. Pausing to talk to someone in a spot is fine, no audio is recorded in Timelapse mode. If using another recording mode, any audio recorded by the camera is removed during processing and is not available in the platform outputs.

Walk Steadily

1. Don’t rush it, walk with a steady pace.
2. Pause for 1-2 seconds in the middle of smaller rooms.
   
3. Feel free to look around, but try to avoid quick or sudden head movements.
   
   

Walk Around Rooms

1. To ensure comprehensive capture, walk around the perimeter of each room around 2m from the walls - this way you will get good coverage of all the details in the room. For smaller or darker rooms, head to the middle and stay still for a couple of seconds.
   
   
   
   

Do not use hoists/elevators

1. When doing a continuous scan, do not use elevators or hoists - it is vital that you keep to the stairs only, this is an essential part of ensuring the scan's success across multiple floors.
   
   
2. You can always take the hoist/lift to the top floor and make your way down the stairs stopping on the floors of interest.

Stopping the Recording

1. Once finished, press Stop Recording from within the Mobile App & don't forget to choose your end location on the relevant floor plan.

With these key elements in mind, your site walk should should be a success, well done!

Last updated: 26/09/23