# Mapping

## Mapping with your phone

You have several options for creating 3D scans with your phone. Apps such as [Polycam](https://learn.poly.cam/hc/en-us/sections/30298203696788-Using-the-Polycam-App-to-Create-3D-Models), [Immersal](https://developers.immersal.com/docs/mapsmapping/howtomap/mapper-2.0/), [Scaniverse](https://scaniverse.com/support), and [Pix4D](https://www.pix4d.com/product/pix4dcatch/) offer robust methods including [LiDAR scanning](https://docs.meshmap.com/faq#what-is-lidar-scanning), [photogrammetry](https://docs.meshmap.com/faq#what-is-photogrammetry), and [Gaussian splatting](https://docs.meshmap.com/faq#what-is-gaussian-splatting). For MeshMap, textured meshes created with LiDAR or photogrammetry are best.

Once you've mapped and processed a scan using your chosen app, you can export it as a .gltf file.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>LiDAR &#x26; 3D Scanner for iPhone &#x26; Android</td><td><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/polycam-3d-scanner-lidar-360/id1532482376">iOS</a></td><td><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ai.polycam&#x26;hl=en_US">Android</a></td><td><a href="https://1186324960-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWEOieFcrCdoaTX1LuCOI%2Fuploads%2F52mdOIPXhqYOVKsa1P5K%2Fpolycam.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6faec9e4-908b-42ba-8c3d-241e54a0c13c">polycam.png</a></td></tr><tr><td>Accurate scanning for navigation &#x26; visualization</td><td><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/immersal-mapper/id1466607906">iOS</a></td><td><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.immersal.sdk.mapper&#x26;hl=en_US">Android</a></td><td><a href="https://1186324960-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWEOieFcrCdoaTX1LuCOI%2Fuploads%2FR7snHaN7gWKm6wh09Wy3%2Fimmersal.png?alt=media&#x26;token=be6331b7-9eda-42b9-b1df-e1c337301e51">immersal.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Mapping with professional equipment

MeshMap also supports 3D meshes created using professional 3D scanners, such as the Leica BLK2Go, Eagle, and XGRIDS. Simply convert the scan to a .gltf file using your preferred software.

## Submitting to MeshMap

Go to the [MeshMap web app](https://app.meshmap.com/scans) to import your scan and its metadata (map name, coordinates, time of day, and weather).

Meshes with a file size of <100 MB are supported. <20 MB will work best for MeshMap's runtime API.

CLI tools like [glTF Transform](https://gltf-transform.dev/) and apps like [Polycam](https://poly.cam/) support the easy compression of meshes.

## What makes a map fun for location-based XR?

Scanning game maps is its own art form.

Here are some tips and examples of how to create the most fun maps:

1. Plan ahead by charging your device to full battery and scanning on fair weather days.
2. Choose times that are not busy. Avoiding busy hours makes scanning easier and reduces the likelihood of data artefacts from people.
3. Pick pedestrian-safe locations that have cool shapes, elevation changes, and other environmental features that can make gameplay unique. Artful walls, occluding corners, and gradual slopes are easy cheat codes for fun.

<figure><img src="https://1186324960-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWEOieFcrCdoaTX1LuCOI%2Fuploads%2FK3krs41maIme97rkRPsr%2FT1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=87824813-265f-445c-bdf9-88265fea7217" alt=""><figcaption><p>A T-shape map occludes enemies and items around corners, allowing for surprises and sneak attacks.</p></figcaption></figure>

<div align="center"><figure><img src="https://1186324960-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWEOieFcrCdoaTX1LuCOI%2Fuploads%2FelaSzurXesoXU3Y3uV97%2Floop1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=064c1a85-5092-4c1d-950d-d2ba0f1faed0" alt=""><figcaption><p>A loop map can feel maze-like in the best ways, allowing you to drag enemies around the map or fall susceptible to a classic pincer tactic.</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<figure><img src="https://1186324960-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWEOieFcrCdoaTX1LuCOI%2Fuploads%2F8a691lkseGjBdHmJxhjI%2Felevation-change.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1c008f07-13de-4633-92e9-a0a4976a8252" alt=""><figcaption><p>A map with elevation changes can heighten immersion and enable terraced battlefields ("I have the high ground!").</p></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.meshmap.com/contribute/mapping.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.