Using the qCam

Kevin Grover
2025-08-26T21:23:50Z

1. How should I move the qCam while capturing imagery? Walk at a regular pace with the qCam pointed directly in front of you for an area capture. Walk in a lawn mower / grid pattern with 5 – 10m spacing between passes to cover an area. For a point of interest, the best practice is described below. Try to maintain as much distance as possible from the GPS antenna (bump at the top of the qCam) to avoid blocking incoming satellite signals.

2. What does the qCam see?

The qCam picks up everything you see on your screen (phone/tablet). Final output will omit most people and vehicles, privacy laws are strictly upheld.

3. Does the screen need to be closely monitored to ensure consistent scene capture?

The field of view (FOV) is 270 degrees and while not 360 degrees it is still very wide. The operator does not need to continuously look at the screen because it is a natural way of capturing the data as users will see testing the demo device.

4. Is the camera auto leveling? What are the tolerances/requirements for the device's pitch/roll during collection?

Image alignment algorithms will estimate the device position. While we encourage holding the device like a cup of coffee and moving somewhat steadily, holding it at any angle (even upside down), works fine. You can hold the camera underneath parked cars when needing to capture manhole covers. Access the user-manual here that shows in-more detail how the capture flow and instructions work.

5. What does GPS accuracies mean?

There are three different GPS-related messages that you will see in the capture UI screen: Fix, Float, and Autonomous.

Fix (Great) is recommended for best results and should result in cm-level geospatial accuracy for the scan

Float (Moderate) means that the device is still working on obtaining a fixed position, and the resulting geospatial accuracy of the scan will be reduced (10cm+ accuracy)

Autonomous (Limited): means that the device is not receiving corrections of any kind, and is relying on raw GNSS signals (1m+ accuracy)

6. What is the distance that the qCam can capture?

The qCam will pick up approximately 30 meters on each side of the capture route.

7. Should I tilt the qCam while recording?

The qCam should be held up as though you were holding a coffee cup, but you can elevate or lower it partially to capture according to your specific needs.

8. How do I scan a point of interest?

For a specific point of interest, such as a power pole, try to get as many different angles as possible. This can be achieved by keeping the center of the qCam pointed directly at the object while circling it. The more coverage you have of the object, the better the 3D reconstruction will be. Circling back past the other side of a point of interest from the opposite direction will help too.

9. Will you be able to erase the user’s limbs if they are accidentally captured during scan?

Although limbs are often eliminated, it is best to avoid obstructing the camera(s) view during capture. Too much obstruction can result in coverage gaps.

10. Image resolution at a distance?

350 meters (100 ft) on each side of the camera.

11. How large should the scans be? How much area can I cover

If possible, try to keep scan time at or below 15 minutes (or approximately 10 to 20 power poles).

12. How do I debug issues in the field?

If you are having trouble starting a capture, try starting the process again. Please ensure to turn off the qCam and disconnect your phone entirely first. If satellite quality is poor and/or not getting fixed GPS quality, try walking around and find an open area with no obstructions to the sky.