Using mobile phones to collect small-scale spatial data

In the Mega spatial data collection solution, in addition to using professional panoramic cameras, it also supports using smartphones for spatial data collection. The mobile solution does not require purchasing additional equipment; you only need to install the Mega Toolbox app on your phone to start collecting, greatly lowering the barrier to data collection. Due to the limited field of view of mobile phones, this solution only supports collecting small areas such as rooms and small squares. Before using a phone for data collection, please carefully read the following data collection instructions.

Important

If the spatial area to be collected is too large, please use GoPro for Mega Block spatial data collection.

Collection preparation

Before starting data collection, you need to choose suitable lighting conditions and plan the collection route. Thorough preparation is key to obtaining high-quality map data. Before each collection, follow the collection checklist for preparation.

Collection environment

• The collection area should be small to medium-sized scenes (stores, exhibition halls, offices, etc.)
• The environment should have sufficient and uniform lighting, avoiding overly dark or overexposed areas (such as direct sunlight)
• The scene should have relatively fixed texture features (such as posters, decorative paintings, unique architectural structures), avoiding areas with minimal texture (pure white rooms, glass mazes)

Planning the collection path

Before collection, plan the path to ensure the starting point coincides with the endpoint. Here are the requirements for path planning in three different types of scenes:

• Indoor room type: Use different strategies based on room size. For small rooms, walk along the edge of the room (about 1-2 meters from the wall) in a circle. For larger rooms, deploy a "grid" pattern movement route to ensure all blind spots are covered.

  

• Corridor type: If the corridor width does not exceed 6 meters, walk directly down the middle. If it exceeds 6 meters, walk close to each side twice, staying about 3 meters from the wall each time. Shoot back and forth once.

  

• Small squares and other open areas: Deploy a grid pattern route with 3-meter intervals.

  

Selecting suitable phone models

Before starting collection, ensure your device meets the following requirements:

• iPhone users: iPhone 11 and above models.
• Android users: Devices supporting ARCore (excluding devices disabled by EasyAR), view supported device details.

Note

Note that on ARCore-supported models, the "Google Play Services for AR APP" must be installed separately to run ARCore functionality. This app may be pre-installed on some models, while others need to search and install it from the app store.

Installing collection tools

Download and install the data collection tool app Mega Toolbox:

• iPhone users: Search for Mega Toolbox in the App Store, download and install.
• Android users: On the EasyAR download page, find the "Development Tools" section and download the Mega Toolbox Android installation package. After downloading, copy the installation package to your phone for direct installation, or use adb install EasyARMegaToolbox_***.apk on a computer.

Collection process

The collection process consists of three stages: launching Mega Toolbox, on-site path scanning collection, and data saving.

Launching MegaToolbox

1. Open the installed Mega Toolbox on your phone, click the EasyAR Mega mapping data collection (mobile mapping) button to enter data collection mode.

   

2. Click the blue + at the bottom to enter the collection page.

   

   Function description:

   1. Return to main interface
   2. Delete record
   3. Enter collection page

3. During the first collection, allow MegaToolbox access to your camera.

   

Device initialization

After entering the collection interface, first point the camera at a nearby area with rich textures and slowly pan to initialize. Once the status in the top-left corner changes to Tracking, lift the phone to face the area to be collected, then click the start collection button.

Performing collection

After entering the shooting interface, move slowly along the planned collection path and adopt a scan-while-walking approach to ensure complete visual map coverage.

• Panoramic scanning: Keep the phone at a horizontal viewing angle during collection. After moving forward one meter, pause briefly. Turn the phone 90 degrees left from the forward view, hold for 1 second, return to the forward view, then turn 90 degrees right and hold for 1 second. Repeat this cycle to ensure coverage of both sides.
• High-altitude collection: If there are tall structures or landmarks in the space that the camera cannot fully capture, maintain position, adjust the angle to look up, and collect again.

Tip

• Collection should be a single continuous session; do not interrupt during collection.
• Move slowly during collection, avoiding rapid turns or running.
• Finally, return to the starting position to close the path loop.
• The real-time trajectory display during collection helps determine if the path is closed and if the target area is covered.

Ending and saving

After completing all viewing angle collections, you need to stop recording and save the data persistently to the device.

1. After collection, click the red button in the middle bottom to stop collection and enter the save page.

   

2. On the save page, enter a name for the collected data (only English and numbers are supported), click the Save button, and the collected data will be saved to the phone.

   

Precautions

1. The Tracking state must be maintained throughout the entire collection process. Keep collection smooth, avoiding rapid turns or sudden stops.
2. Collection duration cannot exceed 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, collection will be forcibly ended, entering the save page.
3. Do not switch apps during collection, as this will cause collection to fail.
4. Ensure the environment has sufficient, uniform, and stable lighting, avoiding overly dark or overexposed areas.
5. Do not point at pure-color surfaces like white walls or metal, or reflective/transparent glass areas for extended periods.
6. If collection fails, restart the collection process.

Next steps

After collection is complete, refer to the export data document to export the data, and create a small-scale mobile collection task in the Mega development center for mapping.