Indoor Space Capture Guide

Written By Aholo3d

Last updated About 1 month ago

Capture an indoor space with your phone to generate a complete, editable 3D scene. Follow the steps and tips below for better results.

Before You Start

1. Device & Environment Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A stable smartphone (the newer ones are recommended for better results)

  • Sufficient lighting

  • A clean, clutter-free space

Optional Equipment (Advanced)

In addition to a smartphone, you can also use other video-capable devices, such as:

  • Mirrorless or DSLR cameras

  • Action cameras

Higher-resolution devices can capture sharper details in well-lit conditions.

Note:

  • Keep footage stable (use a gimbal or tripod if possible)

  • Follow the same movement and coverage guidelines in the guide

  • Ensure continuous recording with no noticeable shaking or frame drops

2. Environment Checklist

Before capturing, make sure to:

  • Turn on all lights in the room

  • Clear floor obstacles (to avoid interrupting your path)

  • Reduce clutter as much as possible

  • Avoid or cover mirrors and reflective surfaces (e.g., glass)

  • Remove moving objects (fans, pets, people, etc.)

3. Lighting Requirements

  • Keep lighting bright and evenly distributed

  • Avoid harsh direct light or large shadows

Even Lighting & Clean βœ” vs. Dim Lighting & Cluttered Γ—

Start Scanning

1. Begin from a Corner

  • Start in a corner of the room

  • Aim at the corner and slowly move forward

2. Move Slowly

  • Walk at a slow, steady pace

  • Maintain a consistent speed

  • Avoid sudden turns

3. Control Distance

  • Keep a distance of about 1–3 meters from walls or objects

  • Avoid getting too close to surfaces

4. Keep Movement Steady

  • Move at a consistent walking speed (~0.6 m/s)

  • Avoid sudden movements or quick turns

5. Ensure Full Coverage

  • Walk along the perimeter of the room, completing at least one full loop

  • Make sure all areas are captured

  • Maintain overlap between paths

Key Areas to Capture

Ensure you cover:

  • Walls (from floor to ceiling)

  • Ceiling edges (tilt the device upward when needed)

  • Doors and windows

  • Furniture (including backsides)

Multi-Angle Coverage

For complex areas:

  • Capture from multiple angles

  • For larger spaces, walk an extra loop

Multi-angle, Multi-circle Scanning

Capture Tips

  • Hold the device with both hands for stability

  • Keep movement smooth and controlled

  • Observe and capture details from multiple angles

Focus on:

  • Room corners

  • Furniture edges

  • Complex structures

Quality Requirements

Image Coverage & Overlap

  • Capture enough usable views (typically at least 20 key perspectives)

  • Maintain β‰₯70% overlap between adjacent views

When using video:

  • The system will automatically extract keyframes as images

Avoid Low-Texture Areas

  • Minimize large blank surfaces (e.g., plain white walls, mirror)

If unavoidable:

  • Step back slightly

  • Include more textured elements (furniture, edges, corners) in the frame

Common Issues & Optimization

Common Issues

  • Moving too fast β†’ Motion blur

  • Low lighting β†’ Loss of detail

  • Incomplete coverage β†’ Missing parts in the model

  • Shaky footage

  • Getting too close to objects

  • Drastic lighting changes

Best Practices

  • Use even lighting (natural or indoor lighting)

  • Keep the space tidy

  • Hold the device steady

  • Avoid very dark environments or harsh direct light

After Capture

Once you’ve finished:

  • Upload your footage to the Aholo app or website to generate a 3D scene

  • Wait for processing to complete

  • Use the editor to crop, annotate, and measure

  • Export a video or share via link