How Matterport Aligns Itself Onsite

A First-Time User’s Guide

How Matterport Aligns Itself Onsite

Once you’ve started scanning with your Matterport Pro3, you might wonder how the system knows where it is — and how it pieces all your scans together into one seamless 3D model.

The short answer is: Matterport aligns each scan based on both visual and spatial data, building a kind of “digital mesh” as you move through the space.

Understanding how this alignment works can help you avoid errors, reduce processing delays, and ensure a clean, accurate model — especially when working on commercial, fit-out, or refurbishment projects.

So, How Does Matterport Know Where It Is?

When you complete a scan, the Matterport Pro3 camera captures two key types of data:

• 3D Spatial Data (using LiDAR)
  This is distance data — the camera measures how far surfaces are from the device, creating a point cloud of the site.

• Visual Data (photography)
  The high-res images help the system recognise shapes, textures, and features — like walls, doors, and furniture.

Matterport combines this data using a process called SLAM — Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping. This means the camera is constantly building a map of its surroundings while working out its position within that map — adjusting in real time as you move from scan to scan.

SLAM is also the technology used in robotics and autonomous navigation, and it’s one of the reasons Matterport models align so quickly and intuitively onsite.

What Can Go Wrong With Alignment?

Even though Matterport is highly accurate, there are a few things that can confuse the system — especially in larger or more complex commercial sites.

Here’s what to watch for:

Changes Between Scans

If you move an object (like a chair, bin, or door) after your first scan, the software may struggle to align the new scan with the previous mesh.
Tip: Once you start scanning, don’t change anything in the space unless absolutely necessary.

Glass and Mirrors

Highly reflective surfaces can interfere with both LiDAR and visual alignment.
Tip: Always mark mirrors and windows in the Matterport Capture app as you go — this tells the software to ignore them during alignment.

Large Open Areas

Big empty spaces (like warehouses or lobbies) with little visual detail can be tricky for the system to anchor.
Tip: Place scans closer together (every 2–3 metres) in open spaces, and aim to scan near features like columns, signs, or fixtures when possible.

Revisiting Areas from a New Direction

If you try to jump across the site or scan a distant room without scanning the path between, the system can’t align the new scan.
Tip: Always move through the site logically and continuously — just like you’d walk it in real life.

How to Spot Alignment Issues Onsite

The Matterport Capture app will give you visual feedback as you scan. Keep an eye out for:

• A scan that doesn’t appear in the model (it failed to align)

• A scan that overlaps awkwardly or appears in the wrong spot

• “Alignment failed” messages in the app

If this happens:

• Try rescanning slightly closer to the previous scan

• Avoid scanning directly into mirrors or strong sunlight

• Make sure no one walks through the space mid-scan

What If You Miss a Spot or Need to Add More Later?

You can always reopen a job on your iPad and continue scanning from where you left off. Just be sure to start from a scan that aligned properly, and work forward from there.

The key is to maintain that logical path so the system can “chain” each scan back to the existing mesh.

Final Tips for Better Alignment

• Prepare the space before you start — open doors, turn on lights, tidy loose items

• Scan continuously without moving objects or people through the space

• Mark mirrors and windows as you go

• Use closer scan points in large or low-detail areas

• Hide yourself during each scan — don’t let the camera capture you mid-sweep

Mastering the Scan = Better Results Down the Track

Good alignment isn’t just about having a tidy model — it sets the foundation for everything that comes after:

• Clean, accurate 3D walk-throughs

• Reliable floor plans

• Usable E57 or point cloud files

• Smoother collaboration with your team or trades

Once you’ve got the hang of it, alignment becomes second nature. And if you ever run into issues, the team at Asset 3D is always here to help troubleshoot and keep your projects on track.

Need a Hand With Your First Big Scan?

Whether you're capturing an office for fit-out plans or scanning a multi-storey building as part of a handover package, we’ve helped teams all over Australia get the most out of their Matterport setup.

Get in touch with Asset 3D for expert advice, training, and support with Matterport Pro3 and commercial scanning workflows.