How to Capture with the 360 Cameras

The 360 Documentation feature is available to Enterprise customers.

In this article: 

• Before you capture
• Mounting the Camera
• How to Capture?
  • Navigating the Application
  • Connecting the Camera
  • Capturing Single Panoramas
  • Capturing a Walkthrough
  • Uploading Data

 

Overview:

Capturing a 360 walkthrough is a simple process designed for speed and consistency. You can follow the steps below to get started!

Before you capture:

• Install the CaptureApp [Available for iOS devices] on your mobile device.

  

• Confirm you have a supported 360 Camera
  • Currently Supported Models
• Confirm you have the latest firmware version installed on the camera
  • This can be found under Settings -> Device Settings -> Device Firmware Info
• Verify that you are assigned as a "Self-Capture Specialist" for your project in the "Roles and Permissions" section of the Siteaware platform. 

• Send the latest Architectural plan for the level you plan to scan to Siteaware Support (attach as a PDF or CAD file).

  • Once the plan is received, Siteaware will open the level for scanning.

  • Please note: it may take up to 24 hours to process a plan before it is available for capture

Mounting the Camera

Before your first capture, attach the camera to your hard hat using a camera mount.  The camera should be mounted vertically as shown below: 

How to Capture?

Navigating the Application

Log in to the CaptureApp using your Siteaware credentials. Select your project and then the interiors capture type.
Select the level to be scanned

Reviewing Previous Capture Locations

After selecting a level, a map of all previous captures will be shown.  This provides information on which areas have already been documented helping the team 100% coverage.   Note: Black pins indicate captures that are not yet synced on your device.  Blue pins indicate captures that have already been synced.  Click on No Camera Connected to begin pairing your camera.

Connecting the Camera: 

Before you try to connect the camera: Please make sure it is turned on and the Wi-fi is enabled. Confirm the Wi-Fi on your device is turned on Confirm the Bluetooth on your device is turned on Previously connected cameras will appear in the list.  To connect to one, click it and select Connect Camera  To connect a new camera, click on Connect New Camera
A list of supported camera models will be provided. Select your camera model.
After selecting a model, the phone will use Bluetooth to search for nearby cameras of that model.
Your camera will appear on the found devices list. Clicking it will begin the pairing process
After successfully pairing the camera, you can begin capturing.

Capturing

Single 360 Panorama

Set the Capture Method to 360 Capture.  On the plan, move the view until the dot in the center of the screen matches your current location.
Tap the shutter button to capture the panorama You will then be given the option to save or delete the current capture.  💡 Tip: Ensure your camera is stable and positioned correctly before capturing for the best results.

Walkthrough Capture

Set the Capture Method to Walkthrough. On the map, move the view until the dot in the center of the screen represents your current location.
Tap the shutter button to begin the walkthrough capture. Walk your route while the capture is recording.  When finished, slide the shutter button to stop the walkthrough. 💡 Tip: Maintain a steady pace and avoid sharp turns to ensure smooth capture quality.
To finish, adjust the map so that the dot is positioned at the ending location of your walk and press Confirm End Point.

Uploading data

After completing any capture, the data will be sent to the Sync List for uploading.  The sync list can be accessed by clicking on the Sync Items button or from the Avatar Menu.
From the sync list you can choose to upload or delete any of your completed captures.  360 Captures will be available for viewing immediately after they have synced, but walkthroughs will take a few minutes to process. An email notification will be sent to the user who captured the data once the walkthroughs are ready for viewing on the Siteaware platform. 💡 Tip: Slow Uploading? Turn off the camera and confirm your device is connected to a Wi-Fi internet source
When entering the sync menu from the level map, the default list will only include captures from the current level.  To view all of the unsynced captures from the current project, click on All Levels.

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Viewing your 360 Documentation Captures