Empower your venue with accessible, up-to-date mapping – no surveyor required. This guide details how to successfully use GoodMaps Scan & Go to scan your venue and ensure the best outcome for both users and venue staff.
Overview #
Scan & Go allows venues to quickly create and update their own digital indoor maps using supported iOS Pro devices. With reliable scanning, accurate labeling, and best-practice workflows, you can unlock the full value of GoodMaps’ navigation ecosystem – serving your guests with up-to-date, accurate, and accessible maps.
This guide focuses on how to information and best practices so that anyone – even those without mapping experience – can produce professional results.
Device and Platform Requirements #
- Device: You will get the best results using the iPhone 15 Pro model or later due to its 48MP ultrawide camera and LiDAR sensor, which supports high-quality, dense, and rich scanning. Older iPhone Pro models or an iPad Pro (with LiDAR) can also be used, however, scan fidelity may be reduced. Note: Scan & Go is currently only available on iOS Pro devices. There is no Android or standard iOS device support at this time.
- Operating System: iOS 14 or later (recommended for optimal performance).
- Storage: At least 5GB free, but more is recommended for larger venues.
- Beta Access: Join via the TestFlight public link.
- Geography and Language: Available wherever the iOS app/web platform functions; at this time, Scan & Go only supports English.
- Connectivity for Upload: A strong and stable Wi-Fi connection (preferred) or a 5G signal is required when uploading.
6 Steps to Successful Venue Scanning #
Step 1: App Preparation #
- Install TestFlight and join the GoodMaps Scan & Go beta.
- Ensure your device OS and the app are updated to the latest versions.
- Open Scan & Go and carefully review the in-app instructions and related help articles.
Step 2: Session Planning #
- Allocate Adequate Time: Expect the scan to take about one-and-a-half times longer than it would normally take you to walk through the environment you’re scanning, plus roughly an hour to complete the upload.
- Battery: Ensure the device is fully charged (or use a reliable power bank).
- Lighting and Timing: Scan during daylight and at times when there is less traffic in the space to minimize obstructions and improve image quality.
- Team Coordination: If working with others, review the coverage strategy together beforehand.
Step 3: Labeling, Naming, & Floor Plan Markup #
This section is critical for successful mapping, future editing, and downstream user navigation.
- Scan Naming: Use clear, location-specific, and consecutive naming.
- Poor Example:
- Info Desk
- Café to Toilets (2)
- Preferred Example:
- Level 1 – Main Entrance – Start at Info Desk
- Level 2 – West Wing – from Café to Toilets
- Naming Tips:
- Include level/floor number, direction, descriptive start/stop points, and unique identifiers as needed.
- Avoid ambiguous or redundant terms.
- Name scans in the order you’ll capture them; work through the building systematically, scanning physically adjacent areas consecutively.
- Poor Example:
- Physical Markup:
- Print the building floor plan and physically mark the intended scan start and end points with a pen or marker for reference.
- A good practice is to start at a clear, identifiable feature – ideally facing into a right-angled corner with a door.
- Mark out areas to capture, including both sides of hallways, intersections, corners, and turns.
- Planning Example: Break large areas (like hallways) into consecutive, overlapping segments, especially before and after turns or doors, to ease connecting scans together.
Step 4: Scan Execution #
How to capture high-quality data:
- Scan Duration: Each individual scan should ideally last no longer than 10-15 minutes to ensure upload reliability and to prevent data corruption. For particularly complex areas with many architectural or other features, reducing the duration of the scan is recommended.
- Start and Stop Points: Make start and end locations obvious and easy to locate later (e.g., at corners, doors, or key signage).
- Walking Technique:
- Move slowly and steadily; rushed scans lead to blurred images and poor-quality data.
- Turn carefully, especially at corners or intersections.
- As directed by the app during the scanning process, cover each area two to three times from different angles to maximize 3D data density. For rooms, a “figure eight” pattern works well, circling and crossing to capture features from all perspectives.
- Coverage and “Heat Map” Checkerboard:
- As you scan, the app visualizes a “heat map.” Areas of high pass density show higher percentages in green/yellow/red color schemes.
- Typical Maximum: After scanning an area, aim for at least 50% coverage, which is generally sufficient for quality results. Don’t worry about reaching 100%. Instead, focus on capturing all navigationally relevant features such as walls, doors, and signage.
- Color Guide: Each colored square will contain a number, depending on the rate of coverage:
- Red: Under-scanned (1–2)
- Yellow: Medium coverage (3–4)
- Green: Well covered (5 + a check mark ✓)
- Try to move through under-scanned (red) regions again, if possible, but avoid spending too much time chasing 100% coverage. Anything above 50% will produce good results.
- Estimated Scanned Area: After completing a scan, you can view an approximation of the area covered. This can help you determine that the environment has been successfully captured.
- Focus:
- Always keep your device aimed at walls, infrastructure, signage, and anything unique that will aid navigation (e.g., stairs, elevators, restrooms).
- During scanning, you’ll see a 2D floor plan of the space being created. Try to cover as many surfaces as possible around the structure of the space.
- Changing Floors or Levels: Before moving to a different floor, end the current scan and start a new one on the next level.
- Entranceways and Level Connections: Since users must establish initial positions as they enter a new area or level, thoroughly scan all entranceways (including elevators) and the top and bottom of stairs or escalators.
Step 5: Uploads, Management, and Clean-up #
- Uploading:
- After you’ve completed your scan, you can upload your data at a convenient time. Ideally avoid uploading during the scanning process itself. Use a strong Wi-Fi or 5G signal. Note: Avoid public hotspots.
- Wait for explicit confirmation from the app that uploads have been successful and all data has been fully uploaded.
- Data Management:
- Don’t delete scans from your device until they have been verified by the GoodMaps team.
- If a scan consistently fails to upload, please contact GoodMaps for assistance.
- Team Communication: Once you’ve uploaded your scans, they are ready for processing. Notify the GoodMaps team at info@goodmaps.com and await further instructions.
Step 6: Review and Iteration #
- Coverage Review:
- The GoodMaps team will review your uploaded scans to check for validity. They will then inform you if any issues need to be addressed.
- Examine the scanned areas with the GoodMaps team to identify gaps or insufficient data.
- Repeat scans for any incomplete locations or poor-quality coverage.
- Workflow Improvements: As this is a public beta, we are actively seeking your feedback. Please feel free to share what worked well and what didn’t to help us improve future versions. Sharing your feedback – as well as sample scan names – with the GoodMaps team will help us standardize best practices and enhance the app’s effectiveness for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Can we use Android or non-pro iOS devices?
No. Scan & Go currently requires an iOS Pro device with LiDAR support.
What is the best device to use?
iPhone 15 Pro or greater for best scan quality. Older Pro devices or iPad Pro work but with lower performance.
Do I need to reach 100% “heat map” coverage?
Not necessarily. 50% is typical and ample for high-quality mapping. Prioritize navigable structures and unique features, not empty rooms.
Can this be done anywhere?
Yes, you can use the app in any country or region where GoodMaps is supported. The easiest way to confirm support in your area is to check if the app is available in your local app store.
Additional Resources #
- Contact & Support: For detailed questions about deployment, language, or geographic limitations, contact GoodMaps at info@goodmaps.com or through your sales representative.
For optimal results, follow these guidelines closely and provide clear, consistent documentation for your team. Proper scan labeling, logical session planning, and careful coverage will ensure your venue’s map is a valuable asset to users and staff alike.