Panorama Angular Coverage Planner

Method, formula and assumptions

Center step = usable frame width x (1 - overlap). The first frame supplies its full width; each further frame adds one step. Frames = max(1, ceil((sweep - frame width)/step) + 1).

Input definitions and supported units

• Desired angular sweep (degrees): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0.01 to 360; must be positive.
• Measured usable angular width per frame (degrees): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0.01 to 180; must be positive.
• Angular overlap (%): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0 to 99; zero is supported where the stated method permits it.
• Time per frame position (seconds): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0 to 10000; zero is supported where the stated method permits it.

Worked example with answer

A 180-degree sweep with 60-degree usable frames and 30% overlap uses 42-degree steps and four frames, covering 186 degrees. At two seconds per position the modeled capture time is eight seconds.

How to use the results

Use measured or separately established angular frame width; this tool does not duplicate a sensor/focal-length field-of-view conversion.

Results retain full precision internally and display up to four decimal places. Very small nonzero results use scientific notation rather than appearing as zero. Check the labels before comparing values across units.

Limitations and references

Projection, parallax, leveling, lens distortion and scene movement affect stitching. A full circular panorama's wraparound overlap requires separate planning.

The method is a self-contained arithmetic, geometric or explicitly stated mathematical model. There are no imported tariffs, empirical presets or equipment specifications; measured values and allowances must come from your own process.

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• Photogrammetry Ground Grid Coverage Planner
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