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Features and Functionality

Find answers to common questions about Swyvl's features and tools

Updated today

General

What types of files can I upload to Swyvl?

Swyvl supports the following file types:

  • 360 Photos: JPEG (equirectangular, 2:1 aspect ratio)

  • Still Photos: PNG, JPEG

  • Site and Floor Plans: PNG or JPEG (convert PDFs before uploading)

  • GPX Files: For path-based tours

  • GeoJSON Files: For linework or area overlays

  • 3D Models: GLB or GLTF

  • 3D Tilesets: JSON (3D Tiles 1.0 or 1.1)

  • TMS/XYZ Imagery: Zipped tile layers

  • COG (Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFFs): For orthomasaics or raster imagery

Can I turn off the map?

The map is a core part of the Swyvl experience and cannot be turned off. However, you can choose a basemap style that suits your project โ€” including satellite, terrain, or simple vector maps โ€” in the Basemap section of the Sidebar.

How do I set the start view of my project?

To set the starting view (or "home view") that users see when they first open your project:

  1. Move the map to your preferred view โ€” including location, angle, and zoom level.

  2. Open the Settings in the Sidebar.

  3. Scroll to Starting Camera and click Set as Current.

  4. Click Publish/Republish to make the change live.

๐ŸŸก Important:
Setting the start view does not determine the basemap style.
Your selected basemap (e.g. OpenStreetMap, Google Satellite, or Google 3D Tiles) is saved when you publish the project โ€” not when you set the start view.

So, make sure your preferred basemap is selected before you publish.

Why are my items appearing under the map or underground?

This can happen if:

  • You're using the Google 3D Tiles basemap (which includes elevation and 3D terrain)

  • The Data Itemโ€™s height is set incorrectly

  • The embedded metadata in the file (like drone images) is inaccurate

To fix it:

  1. Select the Data Item and open the Properties Panel

  2. Go to the Placement tab

  3. Adjust the Height value up or down until the item appears correctly on the map

๐Ÿ“ Tip: If you're working with drone images or 3D models, check the height metadata โ€” sometimes drones record incorrect altitude (e.g., 105m instead of 8m) if not calibrated properly.

Can I select multiple data items in the Sidebar?

At this time, there is no option to select multiple items in the Sidebar.


360 Photos

Can I take measurements in a 360 photo?

Not yet. Swyvlโ€™s measurement tool works on the map, not inside 360 photos.

How do I link 360 photos together to create a tour?

You can link 360 photos using Scatter View or Path View:

  • Scatter View: Manually connect photos using Edit Pano Connections mode. When you select a 360 Photo on the map, the Edit Pano Connections button will appear in the top right of the Toolbar.

  • Path View: Upload a GPX file and Swyvl will automatically connect your photos based on GPS data.

Can I add text, annotations, or markers to my 360 photos?

Currently, Swyvl does not support adding annotations directly inside 360 photos.
To add context, you can:

  • Attach Info Boxes to markers on the map

  • Use still images, site plans, or draw tools to highlight key areas

Can I set the start view of a 360 photo?

Swyvl does not currently have the option to set the start view of a 360 photo.


Photos

Can I upload regular still photos to the map?
Yes โ€” upload .png or .jpg images using the Photo tool in the Toolbar. Each image can be positioned and styled like any other Data Item.
โ€‹


Floor and Site Plans

Can I add multiple floor plans to a single project?

Yes! You can upload multiple floor plans and stack them at different heights to accurately represent multi-story buildings. Use the height above ground-level setting when configuring each plan.

How do I reposition or resize a site or floor plan?

  1. Open the Properties Panel for the Floor Plan

  2. Go to the Placement tab

  3. Click Reposition.

How do I lock Data Items to a Floor Plan?

To make sure Data Items stay aligned with a specific Floor Plan:

  1. Open the Properties Panel for the Floor Plan

  2. Go to the Placement tab

  3. Enable Clamp points to floor plan

  4. Then, drag the Data Items you want to lock into the Floor Plan folder in the Sidebar (Project Data) section

This ensures the Data Items will maintain consistent height and visibility settings with that Floor Plan.

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