Step-by-step procedure to perform the mapping process
Applies to all Gen I and Gen II devices, Twinkly PRO, Twinkly Plus and Lightwall
What is mapping?
Mapping is a feature in the Twinkly App that allows your smartphone camera to scan each LED bulb in your space, creating a detailed 3D virtual layout of your lights. Regardless of where your lights are positioned, the app will detect them.
With version 3.19 of the Twinkly App (available on both Android and iOS), the mapping process has been made simpler while providing more detailed options for your Twinkly lights. This guide will take you through the updated Simple Mapping and 3-Dimensional features, so you can achieve the ideal setup for any installation.
Overview of Easy Mapping
Easy Mapping offers a straightforward, single-scan method to create a 2D layout of your lights.
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How to Access Easy Mapping:
- Select “Layout” to see your current setup (this remains unchanged from earlier versions).
- To begin mapping, tap “Map Lights”, which will take you to the mapping strategy selection page.
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Features of Quick Scan:
- Top Left: Here, you can select your mapping strategy.
- Top Right: Use the close (X) button to exit the screen and return to the layout.
- Tripod Symbol (iOS only): This appears when the phone detects stability for a more accurate scan.
- Camera Options: You can switch between ultra-wide, wide, or telephoto cameras. Pop-ups will provide guidance on the best use for each lens (for example, using a tripod with telephoto to prevent distortion).
- Start Mapping: Press the button at the bottom to begin. A countdown will assist in stabilising your phone, and the scan progress will be displayed on the button.
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Saving Your Layout:
- Once scanning is complete, you’ll receive feedback on the LEDs and a preview in the app.
- Select “Save and Apply” to keep your layout or “Restart” if you wish to redo the scan
3-Dimensional Mapping Overview
Multi-View is a great choice for more intricate layouts, as it allows for multiple scans from various angles. This mode features four strategies:
- 3-D Shape: Ideal for mapping general 3D objects.
- Cone: Perfect for mapping cone or cylinder-shaped items like trees.
- Vertical Surface: Excellent for walls or facades, creating a seamless 2D layout.
- Floor-to-Wall: Suitable for flat objects on the floor or ceiling (available for Pro Users with Advanced Mapping enabled).
Legend of LED Colours After Scanning
- RED: The LEDs have not yet been assigned spatial coordinates.
- ORANGE: The LEDs have been detected for the first time by the camera and have received XY coordinates.
- YELLOW: The LEDs have been identified a second time by the camera.
- GREEN: The LEDs are fully recognised in three dimensions, including depth coordinates.
Incremental Mapping Feature (3-Dimensional Only)
With Incremental Mapping, users can map an object across multiple sessions:
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Pause and Continue Later:
- Stop at any point by pressing X or the back arrow; your progress will be saved.
- To resume, select “Map Lights” and choose “Continue Mapping”, or start a new session (note: this will overwrite previous steps).
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Improving an Existing Layout:
- Refine a saved layout by adding steps; the app will help you continue from the last saved point for better accuracy.
Special Feature on Twinkly PRO & Plus: 4G Mapping
Available on iOS and Android App Version 3.19 and later for Twinkly PRO, Plus and Lightwall devices.
The 4G Mapping feature lets you carry out precise mapping even without a Wi-Fi connection, using your smartphone or tablet’s 4G. This handy option makes the mapping process smooth and accurate, no matter where you are.
By default, 4G Mapping is turned on when your setup has more than 6,000 LEDs. However, you can easily enable it for smaller setups by going into the app settings and selecting the "Force OpenLoop Mapping" option. This means you can map objects with fewer than 6,000 LEDs without needing a local Wi-Fi network.
Just a heads up, while using 4G Mapping, your device or object might show as offline (since it’s not on the same network), but the mapping will still work just fine.
Enjoy the precision of Advanced Mapping to create beautiful and intricate Twinkly light displays.
How to Achieve the Perfect Mapping
Check out all the step-by-step tips for creating a flawless layout for your Twinkly lights. Follow the guide to ensure your setup shines at its best! Read more here.
If you're not happy with your mapping results, you can easily redo the process and create a new layout by clicking "Restore." You can also revisit and restore any of your last three layouts using the Layout History feature.
How Can I Map a Previously Registered Device to a Different Twinkly Account?
If your Twinkly device was previously mapped and you're now using a different account, you’ll need to delete the current layout to start mapping again.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the object's details and tap the trash can icon to remove it. For more information, take a look at this guide: How to delete a device or group.
- Reset your Twinkly device.
- Go through the onboarding process again.
- Map your lights.
How Do Permissions Work for Mapping Based on User Roles?
Only the Owner and Installer roles can access the Mapping feature. If the device was previously owned by someone else, you’ll need to reset the Twinkly device to get mapping permissions.
Learn more about the different user roles and their permissions here: Twinkly User Roles.