Mapping Instruction

Follow these techniques to capture high-quality maps with the MultiSet Mapping App. Accurate scans produce faster localization, better accuracy, and lower drift, the foundation of every reliable AR experience.

The MultiSet Mapping App currently supports iPhones and iPads equipped with a LiDAR sensor.

1. Ideal distance between you and the surface to map

Maintain a capture distance of 1–5 meters between the device and the surface being mapped. If the maximum distance is not sufficient, move closer or reposition to a different vantage point. Too close loses context; too far loses feature detail.

Correct range

Too far — weak features

2. Avoid capturing the same area from the same viewpoint

Repeating the same area from identical viewpoints in a single session does not improve accuracy. Instead, capture the same surface from multiple different angles and distances — this gives the system the multi-perspective data it needs to reconstruct 3D geometry reliably.

Multiple viewpoints

Same viewpoint repeated

3. Avoid rapid movements — maintain a steady mapping speed

Rapid or jerky movements break frame-to-frame feature tracking, causing gaps and position tracking loss in the map. Move at a slow, continuous and consistent pace. If the on-device mesh becomes patchy or unstable, slow down and reorient toward previously scanned features.

Steady pace

Rapid / jerky movement

4. Map in landscape mode — capture floor and ceiling if required

Landscape mode captures a wider field of view and more environmental features per frame. However, it may miss the floor and ceiling in a standard sweep — if those surfaces need to be localized, tilt the device up and down while moving to include them in separate passes.

Landscape recommended

Tilt up for ceiling

Tilt down for floor

5. Map corridors from both directions

Long corridors are one of the most challenging localization environments. Scanning from only one end results in repetitive, symmetric visual features that are hard to distinguish. Capture the same corridor walking in both directions — this doubles viewpoint diversity and dramatically improves localization accuracy and stability along the full length.

Both directions

Single direction only

6. Ensure sufficient overlap between scan sessions

When a site requires multiple scan sessions, each new scan must share visible features with the previous session. Overlap at boundaries, doorways, and transitions connects multiple scans into a single coherent 3D map. Isolated scans that share no visible features cannot be merged.

Overlapping scans merge cleanly

No overlap — cannot merge

7. Minimize problematic surfaces

Certain surface types reduce localization quality. When possible, keep these out of the center of frame or avoid capturing them as the primary subject. Focus on areas with distinct, stable visual features.

Surfaces to avoid

Instead, focus on:

• Textured walls with paint, artwork, or signage

• Furniture, shelving, and equipment

• Columns, pillars, and architectural features

• Floors with distinct patterns or markings

• Fixed machinery and structures

MultiSet's AI pipeline automatically filters many dynamic elements. However, minimizing them during capture always produces a more stable and accurate map.

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Quick reference

A checklist to review before and during every mapping session.

#	Technique	Key rule
1	Capture distance	Stay 1–5 m from the surface
2	Viewpoint diversity	Vary angles; never repeat the same viewpoint
3	Movement speed	Slow, continuous, no sudden stops or turns
4	Orientation	Landscape; tilt up/down for ceiling and floor
5	Corridors	Scan in both directions — always
6	Multi-session overlap	Share visible features at every session boundary
7	Surfaces to avoid	Mirrors, glass, blank walls, moving objects