The present invention relates to providing guiding information for operating an X-ray imaging system. In order to provide an improved positioning distance control facilitating the work flow, an X-ray imaging system (10) is provided, comprising a moveable X-ray source (12) and/or a moveable X-ray detector (14). The system further comprises a plurality of object-surface detecting sensors (16), a positioning detection arrangement (18), a processing unit (20), and a display unit (22). The sensors are arranged such to detect object data of objects located between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. The positioning detection arrangement is provided to detect the current position of the X-ray source and/or the X-ray detector and the position of the sensors. The processing unit is configured to compute a situation-map (26) of the current spatial situation between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector based on the object data provided by the sensors and the current position, the situation-map distinguishing at least between empty spaces and spaces occupied by rigid objects. The situation-map comprises a representation (25) of the X-ray source and the X-ray detector in relation to the spatial situation. Further, the display unit is configured to display the situation-map to a user operating the X-ray imaging system.
