A calibration apparatus and method are provided for a surround-view camera system having a plurality of cameras mounted to an object (e.g., a vehicle). A plurality of markers are arbitrarily placed around the object and configured to measure a plurality of distances between one another. The markers preferably include a rangefinder to measure distances. From at least one image from one or more cameras, a controller is configured to visually identify at least two markers which define a coordinate system. Based on the measured plurality of distances between markers and the visually identified markers, the controller generates calibration information as an output, preferably saved in the form of a look-up table, which will be retrieved and used when a display device generates a bird's-eye view for a viewer. Additionally, a marker that is part of the calibration apparatus is provided.