> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://stage-precision.gitbook.io/grid/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://stage-precision.gitbook.io/grid/camera-calibration/project-setup.md). # Project Setup Before starting a camera calibration workflow, the required project objects and data sources should be prepared. The exact setup depends on the selected calibration tool. Some workflows only need a camera image and Calibration Screens. Other workflows also require camera tracking, lens encoder values, Axis 2D data, Measurement Points, or existing calibration profiles. This section gives an overview of the main setup parts and links to the detailed setup pages. {% hint style="info" %} This page is only an overview. The detailed setup steps are explained in the related subpages. {% endhint %} *** ## Required Setup Parts Most calibration workflows are based on a combination of camera image input, camera objects, tracking sources, maps, and calibration references. ### Camera Image Input All calibration workflows require a live image from the real camera. In Grid Studio, the camera image is provided through a **Media Input** object. The Media Input is selected in the Calibration Object and used as the image source for captures, pattern detection, and Manual Marker workflows. The image should be the raw camera signal. Do not use an already undistorted, distorted, cropped, scaled, or composited image. {% content-ref url="/pages/GBboDmGdSGYSI7gX44Js" %} [Camera Image Input](/grid/camera-calibration/project-setup/camera-image-input.md) {% endcontent-ref %} ### Camera Tracking Sources Moving camera workflows require tracking or movement data. In Grid Studio, this data usually comes from Tracking Objects in the Project Tree and is mapped to a **Camera Object** through Map Inputs. The Calibration Object then links to these maps through: ``` Maps → Map List → Input Map ``` Depending on the workflow, the map can provide: * position * rotation * zoom * focus * other custom data {% content-ref url="/pages/ppFnY4DO2wvVUjNTv1Go" %} [Camera Tracking Sources](/grid/camera-calibration/project-setup/camera-tracking-sources.md) {% endcontent-ref %} ### Camera Tracking Protocols Overview Different tracking systems and protocols provide different data. Some systems provide position and rotation. Others provide lens encoder values such as zoom and focus. Some systems provide both. Some products may also support multiple output protocols, such as their own native protocol and **FreeD**. Use the protocol overview to check which product, system, or protocol can provide the data required by the selected calibration workflow. {% content-ref url="/pages/mvfEOSDuD3GSqpMC6zX0" %} [Camera Tracking Protocols Overview](/grid/camera-calibration/project-setup/camera-tracking-sources/camera-tracking-protocols-overview.md) {% endcontent-ref %} ### Axis 2D Systems Axis-based camera rigs require an **Axis 2D** object. An Axis 2D setup is used when the camera movement is based on two movement values, such as rail / position and pole / lift. The Axis 2D object is calibrated with the Axis-Pole Calibration workflow. During calibration, Grid Studio learns the real 3D movement behavior of the rig and stores it in the Axis 2D object. {% content-ref url="/pages/wPD9AobdXsyznol146Wu" %} [Camera Rails and 2D Axis Systems](/grid/camera-calibration/project-setup/camera-rails-and-2d-axis-systems.md) {% endcontent-ref %} *** ## Choosing the Required Setup Different calibration workflows require different project setups. ### Static Camera A static camera workflow usually requires: * a Camera Object * a Media Input * Calibration Screens or Measurement Points * a Calibration Object Static camera workflows do not require live tracking data. ### Fully Tracked Camera A fully tracked camera workflow usually requires: * a Camera Object * a Media Input * tracking data mapped to the Camera Object * position and rotation values * zoom and focus values if a Lens Profile should be created * Calibration Screens or Measurement Points * a Calibration Object The Calibration Object references the required maps from the Camera Object. ### Rotation Only / PTZ Camera A rotation-only or PTZ camera workflow usually requires: * a Camera Object * a Media Input * rotation values such as pan and tilt * zoom and focus values if a Lens Profile should be created * Calibration Screens * a Calibration Object Depending on the camera system, these values may come from a PTZ FreeD output, a tracking integration, or another map source. ### Axis 2D / Rail / Pole System An Axis 2D workflow usually requires: * an Axis 2D object * a Camera Object as child of the Axis 2D object * rail / position and pole / lift values mapped to the Axis 2D object * pan / tilt / zoom / focus values mapped to the Camera Object * a Media Input * Calibration Screens * a Calibration Object linked to the Axis 2D object The Axis-Pole Calibration workflow can create the calibrated Axis 2D movement data, a Lens Profile, and an Alignment Profile. ### Manual Marker Workflow Manual Marker workflows use **Measurement Point** objects instead of Calibration Screens. Depending on the selected tool, the setup may require: * Measurement Points in the Project Tree * a Media Input * a Camera Object * tracking data mapped to the Camera Object * an existing Lens Profile * a Calibration Object The exact requirements depend on whether the workflow is used for static calibration, tracking alignment, or repositioning. *** ## Recommended Setup Order A clean project setup makes the calibration workflow easier to configure and reduces the chance of using the wrong source data. ### Add the Camera Image Input Create a **Media Input** object and make sure the live camera image is visible. Use the raw camera signal and avoid processed image outputs. ### Create the Camera Object Create the Camera Object that represents the real camera in the project. For moving camera workflows, this Camera Object is usually the object that receives tracking, rotation head, and lens encoder data through Map Inputs. ### Configure Tracking or Axis Maps Configure the required maps before starting calibration. Depending on the workflow, this may include: * position and rotation values * zoom and focus values * rail / position values * pole / lift values * pan and tilt values * custom data values Check that only the required map data is enabled in the Calibration Object. {% hint style="danger" %} Raw encoder values must be ranged correctly in the Map Input before starting calibration. For values such as **Zoom and** **Focus**, make sure the incoming raw values are translated correctly to the expected `0–100` range. Incorrect encoder ranges can produce incorrect calibration results even if the values appear to update correctly. {% endhint %} ### Add Calibration References Prepare the required calibration references. Use **Calibration Screens** when a Calibration Image can be displayed or placed on a known Reference Surface. Use **Manual Markers / Measurement Points** when measured 3D points are used instead. ### Configure the Calibration Object After the required project objects are prepared, create and configure the Calibration Object for the selected workflow. The Calibration Object is where the image input, maps, calibration references, profiles, and workflow-specific options are connected. The detailed Calibration Object setup is explained in the next section. *** ## Before Continuing Checklist Before continuing to the Calibration Object setup, check the following: * The required **Media Input** exists and shows the raw camera image. * The correct Camera Object has been created. * Required Tracking Objects have been added to the Project Tree. * Tracking and encoder data is mapped to the Camera Object if needed. * The required maps exist and are working. * The required map data is available: position, rotation, zoom, focus, or custom data. * Axis 2D objects are configured if the workflow uses rail / pole movement. * Calibration Screens or Measurement Points are prepared. * Existing Lens Profiles or Alignment Profiles are available if required by the selected workflow. * The selected calibration tool matches the available setup.