Equipment Needed
Insta360 X4 camera
Vehicle mount for the camera (any will do, some recommended ones below)
GPS tracking app (for GPX file creation):
Android: Geo Tracker
iOS: Open GPX Tracker
Step 1: Set Up the Insta360 X4
Turn on the Camera: Power on your Insta360 X4.
Select Interval Shooting Mode:
Open the Insta360 app on your phone and connect to the camera via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Navigate to the shooting mode settings and choose Interval Shooting mode.
Set the interval to capture a photo every 3 to 5 seconds (adjust based on vehicle speed and desired image frequency).
Check Storage and Power: Ensure the camera has sufficient storage and battery. If needed, use an external power source.
Mount the Camera:
Secure the Insta360 X4 to a stable vehicle position, ensuring an unobstructed 360-degree view.
Use lens guards and ensure the front lens faces the direction of travel (the front lens is opposite the screen).
Step 2: Record a GPX File
Recording GPS data is essential for geolocating your 360 photos accurately.
Install the GPS Tracker App:
Android: Geo Tracker
iOS: Open GPX Tracker
Start GPS Tracking:
Open the app and start a new track before driving.
Place the phone in a stable position with a clear view of the sky for accurate GPS signals.
Step 3: Begin Capturing Your Route
Start Interval Capturing: Begin interval shooting on the Insta360 X4 using the app or directly on the camera.
Drive the Route: Maintain a steady pace and avoid sudden movements to ensure consistent image capture and GPS data logging.
Step 4: End the Session
Stop Interval Shooting: When you finish the route, stop interval shooting on the Insta360 X4.
Stop GPS Tracking: End the tracking session in the GPS tracker app and save the GPX file.
Step 5: Process Your 360 Photos
After capturing your images, process them using Insta360 Studio.
Download Insta360 Studio: Get it for Windows or Mac.
Import Photos:
Connect your camera via USB or insert the SD card into your computer.
Open Insta360 Studio and load the folder (e.g.,
IMG_20240910_101541_002_008_INTERVAL).
Export Photos:
Select all photos from the left-hand menu.
Click the Export button at the bottom-right.
Choose Export 360 Photo, ensure resolution is set to Original, and start the export process.
Step 6: Export the GPX File
In your GPS tracker app, export the recorded track as a GPX file. This file will align your 360 photos with their respective geolocations.
Step 7: Upload to Swyvl
Now that your photos and GPX file are ready, upload them to Swyvl.
Create a New 360 Photo Tour: Select Path View as your tour style.
Upload Your GPX File:
The GPX file will geolocate your 360 photos.
If any photos fall outside the GPX timeline, errors will appear; remove those files before proceeding.
Upload Your 360 Photos:
Adjust the heading offset if the photos were not captured facing North.
Add the panoramas to link them automatically based on the GPX file.
Adjust and Refine:
Use Edit Pano Connections to customize navigation links.
Adjust the north offset to align photos accurately:
Select a photo and align its radar view with a known object.
Adjust the north offset slider in the data source settings.
Repeat for all photos captured in the same direction.
Tips for Success
Test Your Setup: Before your full route, test capturing and GPS tracking to ensure everything works.
Keep a Clear View: Ensure both the camera and GPS device have unobstructed views of the sky.
Backup Files: Always save a copy of your photos and GPX file before uploading to Swyvl.