To ensure high-quality 3D scans, follow these best practices while using the DroneDeploy Ground App. These guidelines will help you capture precise, detailed scans efficiently.
Requirements:
Apple LiDAR-enabled device (iPhone Pro/Max or iPad Pro models post-2020)
The latest version of DroneDeploy Ground App (available in the App Store)
Best Practices for Quality Scans
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Plan Your Scan Path
✔ Walk through the area first and plan your movement to ensure full coverage.
✔ Start at a logical entry point and move in an orderly fashion.
✔ If you can, try to close the loop of your scan. Plan a small overlap of your scan to connect the end to where you started.
2. Maintain Consistent Camera Angles & Steady Motion
✔ Keep a consistent scanning angle relative to the surface you’re scanning
✔ Move steadily with your feet – keep the phone steady.
✔ Capture at least two angles of the same point when scanning flat or featureless surfaces. This improves depth accuracy and ensures better reconstruction.
❌ Avoid abrupt movements, painting-like sweeping motions, or rotating the phone.
3. Maintain Effective Distances:
✔ For featureless surfaces or narrow spaces, capture from at least two different angles to ensure the reconstruction algorithm has enough data to work with. Back up for a broader view or adjust the angle to add more feature points.
✔ Reconstruction struggles with many photos of the same surface taken from the same angle (e.g., a large blank wall). Varying angles improve accuracy.
4. Use Straight Paths & Gentle Arcs
✔ When capturing corners, curve around them naturally.
✔ Walk in straight smooth lines.
❌ Avoid erratic movements or changes in distances this can distort the model.
5. Close Loops When Possible
✔ Try to complete the loop by ending your scan in a position that can see where you started
✔ Ensure slight overlaps in your path to prevent missing details. For fuller coverage, consider making two loops around, capturing in opposite directions.