Frequently Asked Questions About CupixVista 3D Maps, 360 Cameras and More

Browse through these FAQs to find answers to commonly raised questions.
Key Definitions
What is a 3D dollhouse?
The dollhouse is a 3D representation allowing viewers to explore the entire space from an aerial perspective. What's more, viewers can measure distances, slope angles, and areas; even create elevation heat-maps. It offers an entirely new lens through which to view your site and uncover insights viewers never would've noticed before.
What is a panoramic photo virtual tour?
A panoramic photo virtual tour allows a user to navigate through a series of panoramic images. These images are stitched together to form a 360° view of the selected locations, allowing the user to look around in all directions as if they were physically present. CupixVista samples out panoramic photos from 360-video image frames and maps them into the 3D dollhouse.
What is a 360° camera?
A 360° camera is a type of camera that is able to capture images and videos in all directions at once, creating a spherical panorama. They typically have multiple fish-eye lenses that allow them to capture a wide-angle view of the scene.
360° Video Recording
Are all 360° cameras compatible? Where can I purchase one?
To get started with CupixVista, you'll need one of these:

•  Insta360 ONE X2
•  Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch
•  Insta360 X3
•  Insta360 Sphere(drone only)
•  Ricoh Theta X

These models can be found online at the Insta360 store, Amazon.com and B&H as well as in brick-and-mortar stores like Best Buy!
Is '2FPS' the only frame rate CupixVista supports?
No, CupixVista also supports standard 360 videos at 30 FPS, but they can create large files (several gigabytes for 10 minutes). Using 2 FPS reduces file size and makes uploading smoother.

However, if you'd like to test 360 video at 30 FPS:
•  For Insta360 Cameras, switch to 'Video Mode' to set it at '30 FPS.'
•  With Ricoh Theta X, choose 'Video' mode and adjust 'Video Size' to '4K 30FPS' in the 'Shooting Settings' menu.
Is it allowed to keep the Sticky Lens Guards from Insta360 when recording a video?
Unfortunately, no. For the best possible results, please refrain from using it as it may cause distortion and ultimately lead to processing failure.
How long can a 360° video walk be?
Right now, CupixVista supports video recordings of up to 20 minutes (=1,200 seconds) in length. When you upload video footage longer than 20 minutes, our system processes the initial 20 minutes.
How much space can I cover in a 20-minute video walk?
With a 20-minute walk, you can travel up to 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) of distance. Depending on the layout, it is typically possible to navigate through an area of 6,000 m² (60,000 ft²) in a 20-minute video capture.
What is the best way to hold a 360° camera while shooting a video?
For optimal outcomes, we highly suggest you mount your 360° camera on a selfie-stick. Especially, with the Insta360 Extended Edition Selfie-Stick you can change your shooting angles and perspectives by modifying the stick length up to 10 feet (3 meters) while recording a 360° video. By taking advantage of this flexibility, you'll be able to capture the site from various angles and heights from a single 360-video walk.
With pedestrians and moving vehicles in the area, is it still acceptable to take 360° video?
CupixVista is incredibly adept at eliminating moving objects within a scene, even when the environment becomes quite busy. The software can generate 3D dollhouse data from 360° video footage with ease, so long as it isn't too crowded!
How quickly do I need to walk in order for it to be considered a "speed of walk"? And can I break into a run if desired?
Keeping up a typical walking pace of 4-6 km/h (or 2.5-4 mph) is essential to producing high quality 3D dollhouses. Moving too quickly will decrease the accuracy and precision of the result, meaning that you should be sure to maintain a steady speed during walking for optimal results.
Can I record 360° footage while riding on a scooter, bicycle or vehicle?
To attain the clearest footage possible, it's important to ensure that your 360° camera travels at a speed similar to walking. Attaching a 360° camera to a vehicle that goes faster than the speed of walking can frequently result in unacceptable outcomes.
Is it possible to capture 360° footage by flying a drone with an Insta360 Sphere camera attached?
If you fly your drone at a steady pace, similar to walking speed, our system will be able to process it without difficulty. Expand your aerial videography possibilities by affixing various compatible 360 cameras to drones, enabling you to capture immersive 360-degree footage during drone flights.
Is it acceptable to record 360° footage from poorly lit areas?
It is important to avoid walking around excessively dark spaces. When you can easily recognize objects in your surroundings from afar, you know the lighting levels are just right.

If you plan on shooting indoors, take advantage of the natural lighting available by picking a time during daylight hours. Additionally, to avoid any reflected glare from bright lights, make sure to turn off any excess light fixtures in your space.
What are some of the difficulties associated with creating a 3D dollhouse from 360° videos?
Generally, the 3D depth of each pixel is computed through the visual consistency between different images in a photogrammetric 3D dollhouse generation process. However, in certain circumstances, the visual similarity may be deceptive. For instance,

•  Textureless surfaces such as bright white office walls
•  Areas through glass walls
•  Mirrors and reflective surfaces
•  Illuminating, radiant lighting fixture
•  Glossy highlights on the floor

These surfaces often result in either minimal or no point coverage.
Are there any other tips to enhance the accuracy of the resulting 3D dollhouse?
In addition to maintaining a consistent walking speed, we recommend finishing the 360 video recording near the initial starting location. Our software is capable of recognizing past locations visited and correcting drift errors that may have accumulated over time.
Processing and the Deliverables
How much time will the processing take to finish?
We anticipate that processing will be completed within four hours, though this timeline may take longer depending on the volume of processing requests.
What is a CPC file and how to open it?
You will receive your 360 video processing results in CPC file format. CPC is Cupix's proprietary format containing a 3D dollhouse, panoramic images, measurement data and more. Its geometry data has been highly compressed to make the file size compact yet efficient compared to other standard point clouds formats. With the free Cupix VistaPoint software available at vistapoint.cupixvista.com, you can open CPC files and seamlessly export mesh, point cloud and panoramic images into standard file formats.
What measures should I take if my attempt to generate 3D dollhouse data is unsuccessful?
It would be a good idea to double check the possible root of this issue. 3D dollhouse generation can be hindered for various reasons:

•  You may use Sticky Lens Guards.
•  You walked or whirled too quickly.
•  You navigated in overly dark areas.
•  There were numerous mirrors or glass walls present.
•  Your 360-camera was incompatible or defective.
How many panoramic image frames are extracted from a 360° video?
CupixVista extracts a panoramic image for every five to ten meter grid interval of the space you take a 360-video record, as well as any locations where you pause walking for three to five seconds. All images are geolocated and aggregated into a 3D dollhouse coordinate system which enables effortless virtual navigation in Cupix VistaPoint software.
How can I take this 3D dollhouse and convert it into a 3D mesh model?
CupixVista doesn't offer mesh models. However, you can utilize either Autodesk Recap, Trimble RealWorks or free software such as Meshlab and CloudCompare to generate a mesh model after exporting the point data from our VistaPoint - vistapoint.cupixvista.com.
Does CupixVista provide 3D map hosting services?
CupixVista does not offer a 3D map hosting service. We remove your 360-video files and any resulting data files after six months have passed. You can permanently delete your files whenever you wish. As a fully hosted and managed solution, CupixWorks offers a comprehensive suite of secure hosting and collaboration solutions tailored for your enterprise. For further information, please visit www.cupix.com.
Data Quality
What is the accuracy of the 3D dollhouse?
By following a few simple tips, you can achieve up to 98-99% accuracy in measuring schematic dimensions that are longer than 5 meters in distance!

•  Walk at a steady pace while shooting a 360° video.
•  Keep away from excessively dark spaces.
•  Finish your video recording near the initial starting location.
•  Laser-measure key dimensions and refine the scale of the 3D dollhouse in VistaPoint software.
What is the resolution of the 3D dollhouse?
The resolution of CupixVista's 3D dollhouse can be quantified by calculating the average distance between two adjacent points, which amounts to 4 cm approximately.
What is the detectible depth range of a single image frame from a 360-video?
CupixVista has the capacity to compute the depth of each image pixel starting from 50 cm up to 5 meters (1.6 - 16.5 ft). It can only obtain points on the surface that are within this range.
Can I use the result for Scan-to-BIM?
It depends on the accuracy requirement of the reconstructed BIM. If you wish for a fast, rough estimate of as-built BIM, then CupixVista 3D dollhouse should serve perfectly!
Can I use this to scan an object in 3D?
CupixVista has been developed with the goal of capturing sites, not objects. Even so, you can shoot 360-videos that encapsulates a small structure or machinery and gain adequate geometry of them as long as our 3D dollhouse resolution meets your expectations.
Error Codes
Open the error code page to see more information.
AGT5200
Unsupported 360 camera detected.
AGT5300
Unsupported FPS (Frame Per Second) detected. Only 30 or 2 FPS are currently supported.
AGT5400
The video length exceeds the supported limit. Currently, only videos up to 30 minutes are supported, with the first 20 minutes being processed.
AGT5501
Most of the images appear completely black, indicating that the lens might have been covered during video recording.
AGT5502
Unable to locate metadata from the video files. Possible reasons include a defective 360 camera or conversion of the files from the original format.
AGT5100
Settings for processing could not be located. Contact us at cupixvista@cupix.com for more details.
AGT5101
The video files could not be found. Contact us at cupixvista@cupix.com for more details.
AGT5102
Unsupported 360 camera detected.
AGT5103
Unsupported FPS (Frame Per Second) detected. Only 30 or 2 FPS are currently supported.
AGT5104
The video length exceeds the supported limit. Currently, videos with a duration of up to 30 minutes are supported, with the first 20 minutes being processed.
AGT5105
Most of the images appear completely black, indicating that the lens might have been covered during video recording.
AGT5106
Unable to locate metadata from the video files. Possible reasons include a defective 360 camera or conversion of the files from the original format.
AGT5107
Unable to locate metadata from the video files. Possible reasons include a defective 360 camera or conversion of the files from the original format.
AGT1105
The 360 video files have been misplaced or corrupted.
Basic terminologies
What is a dollhouse?
The dollhouse is a 3D representation allowing viewers to explore the entire space from an aerial perspective. What's more, viewers can measure distances, slope angles, and areas; even creating elevation heat-maps. It offers an entirely new lens through which to view your site and uncover insights viewers never would've noticed before.
What is a panoramic photo virtual tour?
A panoramic photo virtual tour allows a user to navigate through a series of panoramic images. These images are stitched together to form a 360° view of the selected locations, allowing the user to look around in all directions as if they were physically present. CupixVista samples out panoramic photos from 360-video image frames and maps them into the 3D dollhouse.
What is a 360° camera?
A 360° camera is a type of camera that is able to capture images and videos in all directions at once, creating a spherical panorama. They typically have multiple fish-eye lenses that allow them to capture a wide-angle view of the scene.
360° video recording
Are all 360° cameras compatible? Where can I purchase one?
To get started with CupixVista, you'll need one of these:

•  Insta360 ONE X2
•  Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch
•  Insta360 Sphere
•  Insta360 X3
•  Ricoh Theta X

These models can be found online at the Insta360 store, Amazon.com and B&H as well as in brick-and-mortar stores like Best Buy!
Are RICOH Theta 360 cameras compatible for use?
Unfortunately, the 3D dollhouse generation feature is not available for any RICOH Theta 360 camera model.
Is '2FPS' the only frame rate CupixVista supports?
No, CupixVista also supports standard 360 videos at 30 FPS, but they can create large files (several gigabytes for 10 minutes). Using 2 FPS reduces file size and makes uploading smoother.

However, if you'd like to test 360 video at 30 FPS:
•  For Insta360 Cameras, switch to 'Video Mode' to set it at '30 FPS.'
•  With Ricoh Theta X, choose 'Video' mode and adjust 'Video Size' to '4K 30FPS' in the 'Shooting Settings' menu.
Is it allowed to keep the Sticky Lens Guards from Insta360 when recording a video?
Unfortunately, no. For the best possible results, please refrain from using it as it may cause distortion and ultimately lead to processing failure.
How long can a 360° video walk be?
Right now, CupixVista supports video recordings of up to 20 minutes (=1,200 seconds) in length. When you upload video footage longer than 20 minutes, our system processes the initial 20 minutes.
How much space can I cover in a 20-minute video walk?
With a 20-minute walk, you can travel up to 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) of distance. Depending on the layout, it is typically possible to navigate through an area of 6,000 m² (60,000 ft²) in a 20-minute video capture.
What is the best way to hold a 360° camera while shooting a video?
For optimal outcomes, we highly suggest you mount your 360° camera on a selfie-stick. Especially, with the Insta360 Extended Edition Selfie-Stick you can change your shooting angles and perspectives by modifying the stick length up to 10 feet (3 meters) while recording a 360° video. By taking advantage of this flexibility, you'll be able to capture the site from various angles and heights from a single 360-video walk.
With pedestrians and moving vehicles in the area, is it still acceptable to take 360° video?
CupixVista is incredibly adept at eliminating moving objects within a scene, even when the environment becomes quite busy. The software can generate 3D dollhouse data from 360° video footage with ease, so long as it isn't too crowded!
How quickly do I need to walk in order for it to be considered a "speed of walk"? And can I break into a run if desired?
Keeping up a typical walking pace of 4-6 km/h (or 2.5-4 mph) is essential to producing high quality 3D dollhouses. Moving too quickly will decrease the accuracy and precision of the result, meaning that you should be sure to maintain a steady speed during walking for optimal results.
Can I record 360° footage while riding on a scooter, bicycle or vehicle?
To attain the clearest footage possible, it's important to ensure that your 360° camera travels at a speed similar to walking. Attaching a 360° camera to a vehicle that goes faster than the speed of walking can frequently result in unacceptable outcomes.
Is it possible to capture 360° footage by flying a drone with an Insta360 Sphere camera attached?
If you fly your drone at a steady pace, similar to walking speed, our system will be able to process it without difficulty.
Is it acceptable to record 360° footage from poorly lit areas?
It is important to avoid walking around excessively dark spaces. When you can easily recognize objects in your surroundings from afar, you know the lighting levels are just right.

If you plan on shooting indoors, take advantage of the natural lighting available by picking a time during daylight hours. Additionally, to avoid any reflected glare from bright lights, make sure to turn off any excess light fixtures in your space.
What are some of the difficulties associated with creating a 3D dollhouse from 360° videos?
Generally, the 3D depth of each pixel is computed through the visual consistency between different images in a photogrammetric 3D dollhouse generation process. However, in certain circumstances, the visual similarity may be deceptive. For instance,

•  Textureless surfaces such as bright white office walls
•  Areas through glass walls
•  Mirrors and reflective surfaces
•  Illuminating, radiant lighting fixture
•  Glossy highlights on the floor

These surfaces often result in either minimal or no point coverage.
Are there any other tips to enhance the accuracy of the resulting 3D dollhouse?
In addition to maintaining a consistent walking speed, we recommend finishing the 360 video recording near the initial starting location. Our software is capable of recognizing past locations visited and correcting drift errors that may have accumulated over time.
Processing and the Deliverables
How much time will the processing take to finish?
We anticipate that processing will be completed within one to three hours, though this timeline may take longer depending on the volume of processing requests.
What is a CPC file and how to open it?
You will receive your 360 video processing results in CPC file format. CPC is Cupix's proprietary format containing a 3D dollhouse, panoramic images, measurement data and more. Its geometry data has been highly compressed to make the file size compact yet efficient compared to other standard point clouds formats. With the free Cupix VistaPoint software available at vistapoint.cupixvista.com, you can open CPC files and seamlessly export point cloud and panoramic images into standard file formats.
What measures should I take if my attempt to generate 3D dollhouse data is unsuccessful?
It would be a good idea to double check the possible root of this issue. 3D dollhouse generation can be hindered for various reasons:

•  You may use Sticky Lens Guards.
•  You walked or whirled too quickly.
•  You navigated in overly dark areas.
•  There were numerous mirrors or glass walls present.
•  Your 360-camera was incompatible or defective.
How many panoramic image frames are extracted from a 360° video?
CupixVista extracts a panoramic image for every five to ten meter grid interval of the space you take a 360-video record, as well as any locations where you pause walking for three or more seconds. All images are geolocated and aggregated into a 3D dollhouse coordinate system which enables effortless virtual navigation in Cupix VistaPoint software.
How can I take this 3D dollhouse and convert it into a 3D mesh model?
CupixVista doesn't offer mesh models. However, you can utilize either Autodesk Recap, Trimble RealWorks or free software such as Meshlab and CloudCompare to generate a mesh model after exporting the point data from our VistaPoint - vistapoint.cupixvista.com.
Does CupixVista provide 3D map hosting services?
CupixVista does not offer a 3D map hosting service. We remove your 360-video files and any resulting data files after six months have passed. You can permanently delete your files whenever you wish. As a fully hosted and managed solution, CupixWorks offers a comprehensive suite of secure hosting and collaboration solutions tailored for your enterprise. For further information, please visit www.cupix.com.
Data Quality
What is the accuracy of the 3D dollhouse?
By following a few simple tips, you can achieve up to 98-99% accuracy in measuring schematic dimensions that are longer than 5 meters in distance!

•  Walk at a steady pace while shooting a 360° video.
•  Keep away from excessively dark spaces.
•  Finish your video recording near the initial starting location.
•  Laser-measure key dimensions and refine the scale of the 3D dollhouse in VistaPoint software.
What is the resolution of the 3D dollhouse?
The resolution of CupixVista's 3D dollhouse can be quantified by calculating the average distance between two adjacent points, which amounts to 4 cm approximately.
What is the detectible depth range of a single image frame from a 360-video?
CupixVista has the capacity to compute the depth of each image pixel starting from 50 cm up to 5 meters (1.6 - 16.5 ft). It can only obtain points on the surface that are within this range.
Can I use the result for Scan-to-BIM?
It depends on the accuracy requirement of the reconstructed BIM. If you wish for a fast, rough estimate of as-built BIM, then CupixVista 3D dollhouse should serve perfectly!
Can I use this to scan an object in 3D?
CupixVista has been developed with the goal of capturing sites, not objects. Even so, you can shoot 360-videos that encapsulates a small structure or machinery and gain adequate geometry of them as long as our 3D dollhouse resolution meets your expectations.
Error Codes
Open the error code page to see more information.
AGT5200
Unsupported 360 camera detected.
AGT5300
Unsupported FPS (Frame Per Second) detected. Only 30 or 2 FPS are currently supported.
AGT5400
The video length exceeds the supported limit. Currently, only videos up to 30 minutes are supported, with the first 20 minutes being processed.
AGT5501
Most of the images appear completely black, indicating that the lens might have been covered during video recording.
AGT5502
Unable to locate metadata from the video files. Possible reasons include a defective 360 camera or conversion of the files from the original format.
AGT5100
Settings for processing could not be located. Contact us at cupixvista@cupix.com for more details.
AGT5101
The video files could not be found. Contact us at cupixvista@cupix.com for more details.
AGT5102
Unsupported 360 camera detected.
AGT5103
Unsupported FPS (Frame Per Second) detected. Only 30 or 2 FPS are currently supported.
AGT5104
The video length exceeds the supported limit. Currently, videos with a duration of up to 30 minutes are supported, with the first 20 minutes being processed.
AGT5105
Most of the images appear completely black, indicating that the lens might have been covered during video recording.
AGT5106
Unable to locate metadata from the video files. Possible reasons include a defective 360 camera or conversion of the files from the original format.
AGT5107
Unable to locate metadata from the video files. Possible reasons include a defective 360 camera or conversion of the files from the original format.
AGT1105
The 360 video files have been misplaced or corrupted.