Welcome on board, we are delighted to have you!

This guide is for iMapper Racer 3 only. If you have an iMapper Racer or Kitchen, go to these articles:
Racer 1 & 2 only - iMapper Starter: quick on-boarding protocol
Racer 1 & 2 only: How to take your first scans with iMapper

Watch the informative video (2 mins)

First things first,

Watch our comprehensive video on how to use the iMapper Racer 3:

Use YouTube setting icon to change language of the subtitles in the video.

Book a free 1-to-1 training

Don't hesitate to book a free training session if you want to be guided on the process to take your first scans and learn how to use the iMapper platform like a pro!

in English
in Italian
in Spanish
in French
in German


If it’s your first time using iMapper, we strongly recommend booking the free live training session as soon as you receive your iMapper. Make sure your iMapper is fully charged before the training session.

Step by Step Guide:

Step 1: Getting Ready to Use Your iMapper Racer 3

Charge Your Device: Ensure your iMapper Racer 3 is fully charged. The device has four LED indicators to show battery level: four lights mean it’s fully charged, and one light means it’s almost empty.

Set Up the Tripod: Extend the tripod fully and make sure it's stable and level. You don't need to use a plate or adapter; the iMapper mounts directly onto the tripod.

Insert the SD Card: Make sure the SD card is properly inserted. If it’s missing or not inserted correctly, your device won’t start.

If the SD card is not inserted, the SD card indicator will turn red and then the iMapper will turn off after a small turn. You can use different SD cards from the one provided (but don't forget to format them in FAT32 first and make sure that their capacity is not bigger than 32GB). How to format your SD card in FAT32

Step 2: Performing Scans

First Scan Positioning: Position and level your iMapper where you plan to start the scan. Ideally, it should be in line with the doors connecting the rooms you’ll scan next. Ensure nothing like curtains or furniture will block the scan. Adjust the tripod accordingly.

If you keep the same tripod height for all scans taken on the same level, it will be easier to automatically merge the scan on the platform.

Useful article: Leveling the iMapper with the waterscale

Start Scanning: Turn on the iMapper by pressing the power button. Press again to start the scan. It will perform a 360-degree scan, taking multiple measurements and photographs, and will shut off automatically when done.

Preview and Adjust: If you want to see where the laser will scan before starting, double-press the power button after turning it on for a preview. Adjust the setup if there are any obstructions.

Step 3: Additional Scans

Vertical Scans: For vertical scans, adjust the iMapper to a 90-degree angle using the lever on the tripod. This is useful for getting measurements like the height of windows or doors.

Repeat as Needed: Move the iMapper to other rooms or sections as necessary, repeating the scanning process.

It is possible to stop the iMapper while it is operating to obtain a partial scan. Just turn off the iMapper by pressing the main button once during a scan.

Step 4: After Scanning

Transfer Data: Remove the SD card and connect it to your computer. Upload your scans to the iMapper online platform to view and manage the point clouds.

Go to imapper.tech/login to access the platform, create a new project and upload the point clouds (.XML files that you will find on the SD card) by dragging and dropping them or selecting them from you pc folder.

If you don't have an account yet, read more on how to create one here: How to create a new account for the platform

Create Projects: On the platform, you can align, adjust, and merge your scans, and export them in various formats like DXF for further use in CAD software.

How to manage pointclouds (10 min)

Draw your floor plan following the point clouds. You can draft areas, doors, windows and openings directly from the platform using the Area tool.

Read this for more information on the Area Tool: The Area tool

Export your project.

More articles on exporting data here:

Export Data to File: from iMapper to AutoCAD with ease

Export Data to File: from iMapper to ArchiCAD with ease

Export Data to File: from iMapper to Sketchup with ease

Export Data to File: from iMapper to InSitu with ease

Export Data to File: from iMapper to Revit with ease

Integration of iMapper with Compusoft (Winner)

Great Job!

By following these steps, you should be able to comfortably use the iMapper Racer 3 for detailed room and building scans. For more detailed guidance, you can check out the user manuals and video tutorials available through iMapper Helpdesk or don't hesitate to contact us at hello@imapper.tech

Don’t forget to put the SD card back into the iMapper for the next round of scans!

Before you go...

Download the graphic user manual here (for Racer 3 only):

in English
in Italian
in French
in German

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Known limitations of the iMapper

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Updated on: 18/09/2024