This article explains how to plan a GX1 mission before going on site. Working through these planning steps helps the operator set objectives, characterize the site, choose the right capture method, and pack the right equipment for a successful scan.
Step 1: Define the mission objective
Start by defining what the scan needs to deliver. The objective shapes every later decision: site approach, capture method, accuracy targets, georeferencing, and equipment.
Consider:
What is the final deliverable? For example, a topographic survey, a BIM-ready point cloud, a progress comparison, or a 360 image set.
What accuracy is required for the deliverable?
Are ground control points (GCPs) required for the project?
Is colorization or a 360 image set part of the deliverable?
Is the scan being merged with other GX1 or Hovermap scans?
Step 2: Characterize the site
The site environment determines how GX1's SLAM performs, whether RTK corrections are usable, and how long the mission will take. Where possible, walk the site or review reference imagery before going on site.
Consider:
Is the site indoor, outdoor, or mixed?
Is there a clear view of the sky for GNSS reception, at least at the start of the scan?
Are there enough structural features (walls, edges, vegetation, geology) to keep SLAM stable?
Are there moving objects (vehicles, people, machinery) that may disrupt SLAM?
Are there access constraints (locked areas, confined spaces, traffic, weather, safety hazards)?
What is the approximate total area to cover, and how long is the scan expected to take?
Is cellular coverage available on site for NTRIP corrections?
Step 3: Choose a capture method
GX1 supports four mounting methods: Handheld, Backpack, Survey Pole, and Vehicle Mount. The right method depends on the environment, the distance the operator needs to cover, accuracy requirements, and field of view needs.
For a full comparison and selection guide, see Choose a GX1 mount. For the sensor field of view and what each mount captures, see GX1 field of view. For mounting procedures, see Mounting GX1.
Consider:
What environment is the scan in: indoor, outdoor, vehicle-accessible, or mixed?
How much ground does the operator need to cover, and for how long?
Does the scan require GCP capture or other survey-grade workflows?
Is ceiling or ground coverage critical to the deliverable?
Is colorization a priority? Elevated mounts keep the operator out of the 360 image set.
Step 4: Plan the scan path
The scan path determines coverage, SLAM stability, and overall scan duration. A planned path is more likely to close loops cleanly and capture all required features.
Consider:
Where is the best starting point? Where possible, start outdoors with GNSS visible, even for missions that go indoors later.
What scan pattern best fits the environment? For example, perimeter-first then interior, a grid pattern for open areas, or small loops for complex spaces.
How will loops be closed? Returning to the start, or to a previously scanned location, helps SLAM correct drift.
Where will GCPs be placed, if used?
For multi-scan missions, where will scans overlap? Allow sufficient overlap between adjacent scans for reliable merging in Aura.
Are there turn points, pauses, or transitions between mounts to plan for in advance?
Step 5: Plan georeferencing
GX1 supports real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections through its integrated GNSS receiver, and records RINEX files for post-processed kinematic (PPK) workflows. Plan the georeferencing approach before the mission.
Consider:
Is georeferenced output required, or is a local-coordinate scan acceptable?
Will RTK corrections be streamed live, or will PPK be used in post-processing?
For RTK: which NTRIP source will be used? Confirm the mount point, sign-in credentials, and that the SIM card is provisioned with sufficient data.
For PPK: which base station observations will be used, and are they accessible after the scan?
What coordinate reference system (CRS) and height datum apply to the project?
Step 6: Plan equipment, batteries, and storage
The GX1 kit covers most needs out of the box. Battery count and storage capacity drive how long the operator can scan without returning to base.
Consider:
How many GX1 Batteries are needed? Each battery provides approximately one hour of scan time. The standard GX1 kit ships with three batteries, and up to five can be carried in the Backpack Harness (four in the harness plus one in GX1).
Are all batteries fully charged and packed?
Is there enough free space on GX1's internal storage for the planned scan? GX1's internal SSD holds approximately 40 hours of scanning at full camera resolution.
Is the Portable SSD packed for scan offload? Will the offload be done on site or back at base?
If cameras are not required for this mission, plan to disable them in Commander to save battery and storage.
Are the right mounting accessories packed for the chosen capture method?
Is the Android device running the latest version of Commander, and is the GX1 Wi-Fi password to hand?
Step 7: Plan for contingencies
Plan in advance for the things most likely to go wrong on site.
Consider:
What is the backup plan if NTRIP corrections drop or cellular coverage fails?
Is PPK enabled as a fallback to RTK?
What is the plan if the scan needs to be split or restarted due to SLAM loss or environmental change?
What safety procedures apply in case of equipment fault, slip-trip-fall, or environmental hazards?
Who is the on-site point of contact for support: local reseller, Emesent Technical Support, or both?