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Advanced iGUIDE Capture Techniques

Updated

Overview

This article covers advanced scanning protocols and best practices for using the iGUIDE PLANIX camera systems. It covers everything from standard residential captures to large commercial spaces and irregular structures like boats and planes. These techniques ensure accurate floor plans, ceiling plans and virtual tours. 

In This Article

Horizontal & Vertical Scanning 

Horizontal scans are standard for floor plans; vertical scans are used for ceiling plans and advanced packages. 

Horizontal Scan Guidelines

  • Entrances/Exits: 2 scans (interior/exterior), 3 ft apart.
  • Doorways: 2 scans, 3 ft apart.
  • Windows: 1 scan centered, 5–10 ft away.
  • Rooms: 2 scans opposite sides; every 10 ft in large rooms.
  • Staircases: 1 scan top and bottom.
  • Exterior: Every 10–20 ft, at corners, windows, and utilities.

Vertical Scan Guidelines 

Some of the packages require vertical scans. While the scans are optional, they increase the accuracy of the measurements and thus are recommended. The add-ons that the vertical scans can be submitted for are Exterior Elevations and 3D Model.

Note: Vertical scans should be disabled/hidden in your project.

  • Camera at 90° angle (L-shape).
  • Use a ball head tripod for stability.
  • 2 scans per room + 1 vertical scan at highest point.

Vertical Scan Example

 

 

Floor Plan (DWG) Scanning Requirements

The DWG floor plan does not have any specific capture requirements; just a normal capture of interior scans would be needed. Exterior scans are not needed for either the Floor Plan (DWG) or the Reflected Ceiling Plan, but are optional. Below are some tips to keep in mind. 

Two scans at all building entrances/exits, once at each side, interior and exterior, 3 ft (1 m) away.

Two scans at all room entrances/doorways, once at each side (if/where possible), 3 ft (1 m) away.

One scan centered on each window, 5-10 ft (1.5-3 m) away, ensuring each frame is fully visible.

Two scans in each room (if/where possible) from roughly opposite sides of the room, and once again every 10 ft (3 m) for larger rooms in a grid pattern.

One scan each at the top and bottom of each staircase.

One to two scans at each mechanical/utility item, 5 ft (1.5 m) away.

One exterior scan every 10-20 ft (3-6 m), 5 ft (1.5 m) away from the building face.

One exterior scan at every building corner, 5 ft (1.5 m) away from the building corner.

One exterior scan centered on each window, 5-10 ft (1.5-3 m) away from the building face.

One to two exterior scans of each exterior mechanical/utility item.

Example of a Complete Coverage Scan

 

Reflected Ceiling Plans Scanning Requirements 

Normal interior scans of the property would be needed for this add-on. For more information, please refer to the Floor Plan (DWG) Scanning Requirements.

Optionally, please take a look at the recommended scanning methods for the Reflected Ceiling Plans below:

Two scans in each room (if/where possible) from roughly opposite sides of the room, and once again every 10 ft (3 m) for larger rooms in a grid pattern.

One vertical scan centered* below the highest point in each room (if/where possible). If multiple, take additional scans below each ceiling peak.

Exterior Elevations Scanning Requirements

Regular interior scans would be required for this add-on. Additionally, exterior scans of the property are also needed. Interior vertical scans are optional but recommended to increase accuracy. Below are some recommendations when taking scans: 

Important Note: Due to technical limitations, elevation drawings are typically limited to a maximum height of two storeys. Standard capture requirements still apply—for example, complete a loop around the building and capture 2 to 3 images in a straight line at 10-foot intervals on each face of the structure.

Three scans (if/where possible), captured in a straight line at a 90° angle from the building exterior, roughly centered on each side of the building: One each at 10 ft (3 m), 20 ft (6 m), and 30 ft (9 m).

One vertical scan centered* below the highest point in each room (if/where possible). If multiple high points, take additional scans below each ceiling peak.

One vertical scan at both the top and bottom of each staircase, centered* on the stair tread. Two additional scans at each stair landing: one at stairs up, one at stairs down

One vertical scan centered on each main entry and exit door and again at each remaining side of the building, 5-10 ft (1.5-3 m) away from the building face.

One additional vertical scan for each change in eave height, 5-10 ft (1.5-3 m) away from the building face. For gable roof ends, scan as close to the center as possible.

Horizontal and Vertical Scan Coverage Examples

Roof Plans Scanning Requirements

Note: The below applies only to flat roofs. Lower or remove the camera system from the tripod where necessary.

Horizontal scans of the rooftop would be needed for this add-on. Ensure to scan at each access point. This is the only requirement for flat roofs.
 
For pitched roofs, exterior scans would be needed to complete the add-on. 

3D Model Scanning Requirements

Scans that are required for the 3D model add-on are: 

Normal Interior and Exterior scans

Rooftop scans (for flat roofs)

Horizontal scans of the rooftop would be needed for this add-on. Ensure to scan at each access point. This is the only requirement for flat roofs.
 
For pitched roofs, exterior scans would be needed to complete the add-on

Interior and Exterior Vertical Scans

Capture Checklist- Downloadable Quick Reference

For quick reference on-site, download the Advanced Capture Checklist PDF here.

Special Capture Scenarios 

Guidance for capturing complex layouts like garages and stair landings. 

Use Cases:

  • Split-level homes
  • Detached garages 

Key Practices:

  • Attached garages: Capture on the floor they connect to.
  • Detached garages: Capture as a new floor.
  • Stair landings: Assign to the closest floor; if equidistant, choose either

Capturing Large Spaces  

Strategies for scanning large commercial or open spaces efficiently. 

Use Cases:

  • Warehouses.
  • Convention centers.
  • Large retail stores.

Key Practices 

  • Plan a route: Zigzag or perimeter.
  • Consistent orientation: Face the same direction at each scan.
  • Divide and conquer: Break into multiple floors, merge in Stitch.

Line of Sight & Overlapping Data 

Techniques to improve scan alignment and viewer navigation. 

Key Practices:

  • Maintain unobstructed views between scans.
  • Ensure overlapping laser data between scans.
  • Add extra panos to improve navigation hotspots.

Measuring Exterior Walls 

Instructions for measuring wall thickness for accurate floor plans. 

Key Practices:

  • Measure from exterior cladding to interior wall.
  • Exclude trim or decorative elements.
  • Follow standards:
    • ANSI Z765: Interior to exterior wall surface.
    • RECA RMS 2024: Interior to foundation (excluding vinyl, etc.).

Please note the Exterior Wall Thickness information is between minutes 1:07 and 1:54

Capturing Irregular Structures 

Occasionally potential clients approach iGUIDE Operators inquiring about the possibility of creating an iGUIDE of vehicles and various other irregular structures. While in many cases it is certainly possible to deliver an iGUIDE of a vehicle, there are some important things to consider before making any promises to your client about what an iGUIDE can deliver. 

Are iGUIDEs of irregular structures reliable?

The iGUIDE Drafting Standard essentially follows the Alberta Residential Measurement Standard (RMS) which is currently the most comprehensive standard in North America. Alberta RMS is based on the ANSI Z765-2013 standard for single-family houses and extends it to condos and apartments in multi-family residential buildings. The iGUIDE Drafting Standard does not follow any measurement standard involving any other irregular structures.
 
Due to this, the measurements delivered in the iGUIDE Report for irregular structures cannot be relied on to the same degree when compared to our strict measurement standard for regular buildings. While the PLANIX or PLANIX R1 camera systems, our drafting software, and method of measurement are potentially sophisticated enough to deliver a sufficient quality and quantity of measurement for this purpose, the iGUIDE Drafting Standard simply does not account for every type of structure. We may eventually expand our Standard to account for a greater variety, but today our focus remains on residential and commercial types of buildings.
 

Can I get an iGUIDE of any kind of structure?

Possibly. We do not refuse any specific structures. We have delivered iGUIDEs of ships, yachts, sail/fishing boats, aeroplanes, and even private jets in the past. The Drafting Team will always try their best to accommodate most requests and will deliver any iGUIDE provided that the data submitted is properly aligned and of sufficient quantity/quality. The Drafting Team does reserve the right to refuse any submission deemed to be of insufficient quantity/quality to deliver a functional iGUIDE.
 
Basically, the greater the size and complexity of the vehicle, the more data will be required to complete the iGUIDE. In turn, the more data that is required, the greater the chance that the data collected is insufficient in some way.

Do I need to do anything differently on-site when shooting an irregular structure?

Not necessarily. The same general rules that apply when shooting a regular structure apply to irregular ones as well. You should consider such typical things as sufficient lighting/visibility, sufficient area coverage, keeping the camera level, minimizing obstructions at laser scanner height, and aligning data before submission. Anyone, or indeed, all of the above considerations may be significantly more difficult to achieve simply by the nature of the structure and the environment. For example, high wind speed may impact your ability to survey a boat, even when docked. As well, it may be difficult to minimize obstructions at laser scanner height in a ship’s engine room. Furthermore, the interior walls of boats and planes are often curved to match their exterior to maximize space. If possible, you should try to scan as many straight walls as you can at the maximum width of the space. In general, just try to remember that the height at which you scan a space will especially have an impact on the resulting floor plan.

Will the iGUIDE of an irregular structure be delivered any differently?

No, although turnaround time may be impacted depending on the size and complexity of the structure. The expected iGUIDE delivery time for irregular structures may be anywhere from the same/next day to several days. While turnaround time for regular structures is strictly impacted by the estimated total billable square footage (i.e. processing a property near/greater than 10,000 sq ft may take multiple days), irregular structures are an exception to this rule due to their irregular shape. That being said, our aim is always to deliver iGUIDEs as soon as possible.

Use Cases:

  • Boats, yachts, planes, trains, RVs etc. 

Key Practices: 

  • iGUIDEs are possible but not RMS-compliant.
  • Data quality is critical—poor data may be rejected.
  • Use standard best practices: level camera, full coverage and good lighting.
  • Communicate limitations clearly to clients.

Examples: 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need vertical scans for every room?
A: Only if the 3D Model, or ceiling plans are required. 

Q: Can I create an iGUIDE for a yacht or plane?
A: Yes, but measurements may not be reliable.

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