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Aligning your Data in Stitch

Updated

Overview

This article explains how laser data and scan alignment work in Stitch, including how to manage overlapping scans, ensure accurate floor plans, and avoid common issues during export. 

In This Article

What is Laser Data?

  • When you open a project in Stitch, the laser data appears as a dense cloud of points that represent the physical environment captured during scanning—such as walls, floors, ceilings, and objects in the space.
  • This point cloud is not just for show—it plays a critical role in helping users align scans accurately. By examining the shape and consistency of the laser data, users can identify structural features like straight walls or corners, which are essential for ensuring the floor plan is accurate.
  • Clean, well-aligned laser data leads to better drafting outcomes and a more precise iGUIDE.
  • Irregularities or gaps in the data may indicate scanning issues or obstructions, which users should be aware of when reviewing and adjusting their project.
  • Overall, laser data serves as a visual and functional foundation for aligning and validating the spatial accuracy of your iGUIDE project. 

What is Data Alignment? 

  • Data alignment refers to the process of positioning and rotating individual scans so they correctly match up with each other in the floor plan. This ensures that walls, doorways, and other structural features appear continuous and accurate across all scans. 

Understanding Data Alignment in Stitch

Proper data alignment is a critical step in creating accurate and professional iGUIDE tours. Stitch includes a feature called Arrange All Scans, which attempts to automatically snap all scans together based on their relative positions. However, in many cases—especially in large or complex spaces—manual adjustments are necessary to ensure precision. 

Why It Matters 

  • Accurate alignment is essential for:
    • Creating clean and reliable floor plans
    • Ensuring panoramas are placed correctly
    • Avoiding drafting errors or inconsistencies
    • Improving the overall quality of the final iGUIDE
  • How to Align Your Data
    • Use the floor plan view in Stitch to visually inspect how scans overlap.
    • If scans appear misaligned, select and rotate them manually using Stitch’s alignment tools.
    • Look for visual cues in the laser data—such as straight walls or corners—to guide your adjustments.
    • Perform alignment early in your workflow to avoid issues later during pano placement or export. 

Dealing with Overlapping Scans in Stitch

Overlapping scans can cause alignment issues and prevent your project from exporting properly. This typically happens when two or more scans are placed too close together—less than 50 cm (19.7 inches)—which Stitch identifies as a conflict. 

What Causes Overlapping Scans? 

Overlaps Usually Occur When

  • Multiple scans are taken from nearly the same position.
  • Scans are captured too close together in tight spaces.
  • Additional scans are added later without proper spacing. 

How to Resolve Overlapping Scans

  • Stitch will highlight overlapping scans and display a warning message.
  • Manually move one or more scans to increase the distance between them.
  • If repositioning isn’t necessary, you can disable one of the overlapping scans to eliminate the conflict. 

Best Practices

  • Maintain a minimum distance of 50 cm between scan positions during capture.
  • Use the floor plan view to visually check for overlapping scan icons.
  • Always resolve overlapping scans before exporting to avoid errors and ensure clean alignment.

Important Notes 

  • Line of Sight Is Crucial for Auto-Alignment
    • The “Arrange All Scans” feature in Stitch relies heavily on clear line of sight between scan positions. If scans are blocked by walls or objects, automatic alignment may fail, requiring manual adjustments.
  • Overlapping Scans Can Prevent Export
    • If two scans are placed closer than 50 cm (19.7 inches), Stitch will flag them as overlapping. These must be repositioned or one must be disabled before the project can be exported successfully. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • What happens if I skip the alignment step and go straight to export?
    • Skipping alignment can result in misaligned floor plans, inaccurate pano placement, potential export errors, and even draft rejection. It’s required to review and adjust alignment before exporting to ensure a clean and professional iGUIDE.
  • Why does my floor plan look distorted or uneven in Stitch?
    • This usually indicates that scans are misaligned or overlapping. Check the laser data for inconsistencies and use the alignment tools to reposition scans. Also, ensure that scans were captured with clear line of sight during the survey. 

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