Explained: 360-degree camera system in cars and and how it is designed to keep you safe using just four camera setup

Multiple wide-angle cameras placed around the vehicle --- A 360-degree camera system typically uses four ultra-wide-angle cameras placed at strategic locations: one on the front grille, one under each side mirror, and one at the rear of the vehicle. Each of these cameras captures a very broad field of view—often exceeding 180 degrees—which allows overlapping image coverage around the vehicle. This overlap is critical for eliminating blind spots and ensuring a smooth, continuous view. The four cameras together form the basis for building a complete visual map of the car’s surroundings without requiring dozens of sensors or more complex optical setups.

Integration with other driver assistance features --In many modern cars, the 360-degree camera is part of a broader network of safety systems. The camera feed is often combined with ultrasonic parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, and cross-traffic alerts. In higher-end models, the system may even assist with automated parking—guiding the car into a spot using the camera inputs for object detection and navigation.

Enhanced safety during low-speed manoeuvres -- The main use case for a 360-degree camera system is assisting drivers during parking or navigating through tight spaces. It can reveal curbs, small objects, pedestrians, and other hazards that may not be visible through mirrors or windows. To make things even easier, the system may overlay guidelines on the display to assist in aligning the vehicle within parking spaces or predicting the path during steering inputs. Some versions also highlight moving objects to alert the driver to potential hazards.