---
description: This page describes how to capture a single measurement from the light sensor.
---

# REF - Single Measurement

Single measurements from the DAQ-M are usually performed when measuring objects for their reflectance (REF). To measure an object's reflectance you need to also measure a reference standard of known percent reflectance. Our [MCC post processing software](../using-the-data-in-mcc/analyzing-scans-in-mcc) supports our T3, [T4](https://www.mapir.camera/collections/multispectral-reflectance-reference-calibration-targets/products/diffuse-reflectance-standard-calibration-target-package-t4-r50) and T4P calibration targets as a reference surface, and only the most white target.&#x20;

**To perform a single measurement use the Lighting Mode in the SCANNER application**

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2F8FvcI3d2OC12pxzFpkRT%2Flighting_mode.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1715116e-ca77-49d2-b61d-a03b9e35ba16" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The time for each measurement scan is based on the Frame Average setting in the SCANNER application. The default Frame Average value of 20 provides a good balance of averaging measurements and a fast response between scans. Adjusting the Frame Average value to a smaller value, for example 10, will average less frames and make it more responsive. Increasing the Frame Average value will slow down the responsiveness but could improve the result by averaging more measurements.

## DAQ-M :: Measuring the Reference Standard Target

Place the calibration target as close as possible to the object to be scanned, or in as similar lighting as the object. When using the [DAQ-M Frame - 15 Degrees](https://www.mapir.camera/collections/daq-m/products/daq-m-frame-15-degrees) housing the measuring point is very narrow, but always try not to cast a shadow on the reference target surface for the best results. Move the DAQ-M around so that you find the best angles that don't cast a shadow, while trying to maintain about a 45 degree angle from the surface being scanned.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2FgOkME0KGEbPtv64RQPXj%2Fdaq-m_measuring_ref_w.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=b0c0b649-ee4e-4d63-b560-fa6d6d2056ee" alt=""><figcaption><p>DAQ-M Measuring the Reference Standard Target</p></figcaption></figure>

If [Continuous Mode](../adjusting-sensor-settings#continuous-mode) is on, then capture the measurement in the SCANNER application by pressing the stop button and holding the DAQ-M still.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2F0N7ypprMIeCtY64ZCAIz%2Fstop-gear_button.png?alt=media&#x26;token=824303b8-8cf2-4500-a01b-01b3a2ab64fa" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If Continuous Mode is off then press the start button, hold still and then you can move again once the play button shows again.

The higher the [Frame Average setting](../adjusting-sensor-settings#frame-average-number) value is the longer each scan will take. The [DAQ-M Frame - 15 Degrees](https://www.mapir.camera/collections/daq-m/products/daq-m-frame-15-degrees) and other Frames have a standard 1/4-20 tripod thread so you can attach it to most any non-moving tripod, arm, boom, etc.

Once recording is stopped the Save icon will show. Click it to save the spectrum measurement:

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2FsIilRwgZyPe3HaMylwcH%2Fstart-play_button.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4bce49f6-b8d0-4484-9061-cf2975b1a724" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Type a unique name in the Save Spectrum screen and click Ok to save it:

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2Fq1M89P75wvQd8LX70kv7%2Fsave_targ.png?alt=media&#x26;token=28784328-92f8-441c-b471-4f15a9fa6529" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once recordings are saved you can [view](viewing-saved-data) or [export](exporting-saved-data) the saved data.

## DAQ-M :: Measuring the Objects of Interest

While in the same lighting as the last reference target scan, scan your objects.  If you move locations or the ambient lighting changes, you should rescan the reference target surface.

Move the DAQ-M around  so that you find the best angles that don't cast a shadow, while trying to maintain about a 45 degree angle from the surface being scanned. If possible, also try and keep the same angle to the light source that the reference target was scanned at.

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2FXzLUwDBoqH0qHsK0M9Yy%2Fdaq-m_measuring_leaf_w.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=14d7308c-629c-4e35-8c4a-ddc7d9105883" alt=""><figcaption><p>DAQ-M Measuring the Object of Interest</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2FhoZPAbjGHfu9in6JXMmV%2Fdaq-m_measuring_leaf2_w.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=983b508a-d634-4f00-a5fb-c4501f855bfe" alt=""><figcaption><p>DAQ-M Measuring the Object of Interest</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2FemJRN5YLILH3MYpOU332%2Fdaq-m_measuring_leaf3_w.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=42754536-e894-4d80-a611-9edc3d6f3b03" alt=""><figcaption><p>DAQ-M Measuring the Object of Interest</p></figcaption></figure>

Capture the measurement in the SCANNER application by pressing the stop button and holding the DAQ-M still.

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2F0N7ypprMIeCtY64ZCAIz%2Fstop-gear_button.png?alt=media&#x26;token=824303b8-8cf2-4500-a01b-01b3a2ab64fa" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once recording is stopped the Save icon will show. Click it to save the spectrum measurement:

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2FsIilRwgZyPe3HaMylwcH%2Fstart-play_button.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4bce49f6-b8d0-4484-9061-cf2975b1a724" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Type a unique name in the Save Spectrum screen and click Ok to save it:

<figure><img src="https://385441496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FkhnbM2shh9Z3FNqxObzO%2Fuploads%2FDI1q7bJjZmwTnUGjdmua%2Fsave.png?alt=media&#x26;token=042e2bc9-73d0-40e7-b250-6a6d603ccb30" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once recordings are saved you can [view](viewing-saved-data) or [export](exporting-saved-data) the saved data.

