Table of Contents

Export spatial data collected by gopro max/max2

This article explains how to export the raw video data collected by the GoPro Max/Max2 panoramic camera from the memory card to the local computer hard drive after data collection is completed. It also covers organizing and verifying the files to prepare for subsequent mapping workflows. To ensure smooth progress in subsequent mapping tasks, it is essential to understand GoPro's file naming conventions and confirm that files are neither lost nor mixed up.

Connection and access

It is recommended to prioritize using a high-speed card reader for data transfer to achieve better transmission efficiency and stability.

  1. Remove the MicroSD (TF) card from the GoPro Max/Max2.
  2. Insert it into a card reader and connect it to the computer.
  3. Open File Explorer and navigate to the memory card drive letter.
  4. Locate the file directory: DCIM > 100GOPRO.

Gopro max/max2 file naming rules

Before starting the export, first understand the file naming rules of GoPro Max/Max2, which will help you correctly manage the collected video files.

The raw video files shot by GoPro Max/Max2 in panoramic mode (360-degree video) have the suffix .360. Due to file system limitations, when a single recording is long (file exceeds 4GB), GoPro Max/Max2 automatically splits the video into multiple files (segments). Simultaneously, GoPro Max/Max2 also creates corresponding .LRV videos with the same name as preview files.

Filename structure

GSxxaaaa.360, GSxxaaaa.LRV

Component Meaning Example explanation
GS GoPro Spherical Fixed prefix, indicating a 360-degree panoramic video file
xx Segment number 01 represents the 1st segment, 02 represents the 2nd segment, and so on. Used to identify continuous clips belonging to the same recording.
aaaa File number Unique ID identifying a recording task. All segments from the same recording task share this number.
.360 File suffix GoPro's proprietary raw panoramic format
.LRV File suffix GoPro's proprietary compressed panoramic format

Export steps

  1. In the 100GOPRO folder, locate the corresponding .360 and .LRV files for this collection based on modification time or file number.

    Tip: Ignore the .THM (thumbnail) files with the same name.

  2. Create a new project folder on the computer's local hard drive, e.g., Shanghai_Museum_ZoneA.

    • Set the project folder on the computer's local hard drive (not recommended on the system drive). Check for sufficient free disk space before copying data.
    • Name the folder using the full pinyin of province/city + full pinyin of scenic spot/commercial area name + zone number. Note that the name can only contain Chinese characters, English letters, numbers, and hyphens/underscores (-_), and must not include other special characters.

  3. Create two subfolders under Shanghai_Museum_ZoneA:

    • 360 (for storing .360 files)
    • lowres (for storing .LRV files)

  4. Copy the selected .360 files to the 360 folder and the .LRV files to the lowres folder.

Important
  • Videos from a single continuous collection should be placed together separately. Do not mix videos from other collections.
  • Choose copy, not cut: It is recommended to use the copy operation. Retain the original data on the memory card as a safety backup until mapping is successful.
  • Do not operate directly on the memory card: When uploading data later, be sure to use the files on the local hard drive to avoid data corruption due to poor contact of the card reader.

Verify exported data

After copying, perform a simple check:

  • File size: Confirm that the local file size matches that on the memory card.
  • File count: If long videos were recorded, ensure all segments like GS01..., GS02... are complete, with no missing intermediate segments.
  • File categorization: If multiple videos were recorded, confirm that the organized collection videos belong to the same collection task, avoiding mixing with videos from other collections.
  • Preview video files: Play the .360 or .LRV video files once on the computer before uploading to confirm they play normally without issues like black screens or artifacts.

Playing 360 video files

The raw video files generated by GoPro Max/Max2 have the .360 suffix. You can install the official GoPro Player software for playback on a computer.

  • Required software: GoPro Player (Windows / macOS)
  • Download links:
  • Hardware recommendation: Due to the high GPU requirements for rendering panoramic videos, a computer with a dedicated graphics card is recommended for processing.
  • Alternative method: You can also play the corresponding .LRV files (low-resolution preview files from GoPro Max/Max2). These can be previewed directly on the computer without installing additional software.

Next steps

After the data is exported and verified, proceed to the mapping chapter to learn how to upload the collected data to build a Mega Block map.