How to take a Reality Capture (KB-AM018)

Once you have identified the subject you want to capture as a 3D model, use the vGIS Utilities app to record a video of it using the built-in reality capture tool.

To use the feature in the vGIS Utilities app you will need the latest version of the app on your device(s).

Please note: vGIS’ reality capture feature is still in Beta. Issues are expected and will address on an ongoing basis.

Instructions

1. When in the mobile app, access 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:

• Record in landscape mode
• Keep your device at a 45 to 90-degree angle (fig. 3)
• Move at a constant walking pace and try to adopt a slight 'S' pattern
• Don’t pivot around a central point
• If you need to capture sideways, don’t pivot; walk sideways instead
• Start filming before the start point and stop recording once you are past the endpoint
• Only film what is necessary
• Avoid moving objects such as people or machinery
• Capture wide areas by circling them
• Make sure objects are adequately illuminated
• For dark trenches use the "wave" technique
• Avoid reflective and plain evenly-colored objects
• If reflective objects are unavoidable, cover them with some dirt or put other objects on top of them

Pro Tips:

• Identify what you want to capture before you start recording
• Objects that are not within the camera's field of view won't be captured
• Avoid recording the same area/object twice
• When capturing wide trenches film from the side at an angle

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3