Mapping

Scan environments with LiDAR, photogrammetry, or Gaussian splatting to expand MeshMap's coverage of public places around the world.

Mapping with your phone

You have several options for creating 3D scans with your phone. Apps such as Polycam, Immersal, Scaniverse, and Pix4D offer robust methods including LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, and 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.

LiDAR & 3D Scanner for iPhone & Android

iOS

Android

Accurate scanning for navigation & visualization

iOS

Android

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 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 and apps like Polycam 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.

A T-shape map occludes enemies and items around corners, allowing for surprises and sneak attacks.

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.

A map with elevation changes can heighten immersion and enable terraced battlefields ("I have the high ground!").