For alignment and calibration
Link an image to a mapped viewpoint, adjust camera parameters, define the field of view and refine its position.
QGIS extension dedicated to perspective photo alignment
From map to photograph
Project your vector layers into your photos
QCALVIEW is a QGIS extension designed to align photographs and provide immediate visual interpretation from the trio [ viewpoint / image / vector data ] inside your QGIS project.
The idea is simple: move quickly, stay clear, and show something credible from the very first iterations.
Public beta version available from the GitLab releases page.
Halfway between cartographic support and fully realistic photomontage, QCALVIEW connects your maps and your photographs so you can position and compare faster.
QCALVIEW Lite
A lightweight, practical base for aligning your views
Built around QGIS 3.4 — import your photo and refine its position, define its field of view, height and more…
For projection
Display up to 5 vector layers with fewer than 50 features inside the image to better understand a layout, boundary or context.
For interpretation
Export and prepare discussions, sketches or decisions more quickly, without relying on other software.
Clean interface
A direct structure: load the image, choose the viewpoint, adjust camera settings, projected layers and topography.
Immediate reading
The viewer focuses on the image, the terrain and the projection of useful data without overwhelming the user.
Examples
Give your vector mapping a new dimension from QGIS
Layout reading, photo projection, terrain understanding or preparation for a more advanced rendering.
Photo + projected layers
Georeference your images precisely, not just in terms of position: adjust the field of view and shooting axes
From the map to the view
The link between cartographic interpretation, the view cone and the representation inside the image becomes much more direct.
Sketch and comparison
QCalview can also be used as an upstream tool to test and compare an implementation hypothesis.
Understand through video
More than a simple screenshot
This is no longer just an idea — it already works.
QCALVIEW in action, interface directions, display modes and use cases.
Full version in development
But QCALVIEW carries a broader ambition.
This is 2026, and this is the tool QGIS is missing today — alongside its evolution toward georeferenced 3D data support.
What QCALVIEW will bring
- Fully operational with QGIS 4.0
- Support for multiple viewpoints and panoramic projections
- Finer terrain rendering with several topography display modes
- QGIS styles, labels, extrusions and richer rendering
- More advanced monoplotting and map ↔ image navigation tools for measurements and surveys
- Batch exports enriched with metadata and complementary overlays (projection grids, azimuth scale)
- Stronger integration with third-party photomontage workflows or to make virtual tours easier to build
What this changes in practice
This is not only about adding more checkboxes, but about building a continuum between GIS, image, terrain, sketching, representations, project comparisons and immersive demonstrations.
Today you use several tools to achieve something similar.
Tomorrow you will be able to do it all from QGIS.
Carry this vision through use
QCALVIEW Lite opens the door — QCALVIEW goes further
Vision
What QCALVIEW could go on to offer
Much still has to be imagined and integrated in order to enrich the tool and broaden its possibilities.
Richer, faster and more resource-efficient display
Display more, and faster, inside an aligned view with full GPU support.
Advanced monoplotting
Produce measurements or survey work directly from aligned photographs.
Simplified depth layers
Generate consistent depth masks to apply quick effects, attenuation and contrast adjustments.
Production bridges
Create more direct links to visual and technical workflows by exporting the right data.
Image sequence interpretation
Assess routes or build videos from aligned image sequences.
Automatic layouts
Prepare simple, readable deliverables through atlas-based layouts to explain a project and support discussions.
QCALVIEW by ArcTan°
An extension shaped by experience
To support the development of your projects.
Would you like to integrate this tool into your workflow or take part in its development?