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Connecting PIX4Dcatch to a Pix4D-supported RTK device

A PIX4D-supported RTK device is a GNSS receiver that enables PIX4Dcatch to geolocate images with centimeter-level accuracy. Correct connection and configuration are essential to ensure accurate results. This article explains how to connect a mobile device to a Pix4D-supported RTK device and configure the RTK parameters.

IN THIS ARTICLE

Initialize Connection
Set Camera Offset Values
Select Minimum Elevation (only for viDoc)
Select Constellations (only for viDoc)
NTRIP Settings
Select Mountpoint
Select NTRIP CRS

Initialize Connection

Before initializing the connection:

  • Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on the mobile device.
  • Power on the Pix4D-supported RTK device with a long press and wait until it is ready.
  • Open PIX4Dcatch.
At the top-left corner of the screen, tap the GPS signal indicator and select RTK via Bluetooth.
 
         RTK card
 
The RTK Device Settings dialog opens. Select Import or Create RTK Profile as required. For information about the RTK profile template, click here.
 

Set Camera Offset Values

When connecting a Pix4D-supported RTK device to a mobile device, define the offset between the antenna and the camera (also known as the camera offset).

PIX4Dcatch automatically recognizes offset values for known combinations of mobile devices and supported RTK devices. If the offset is unknown, it must be manually entered in the Camera Offset Values (X, Y, Z) fields. If these values are zero, the offset has not been recognized and must be manually configured.

       rtk catalog

 

Select Minimum Elevation (viDoc only)

Below the RTK rover identifier, tap the satellite bar (e.g., GPS, SBAS, GALILEO). A new window appears showing the Minimum Elevation setting.

  • Default value: 10°
  • Range: 0°–40°, in 5° increments

Tap the value field to select a different elevation angle from the dropdown list.


RTKrover_SatelliteSystems.png

RTKrover_minElevation.PNG

Note: Increasing this value reduces the number of visible satellites. For open areas, 10° is recommended. A value of 0° may result in atmospheric distortion, while 45° may limit satellite visibility.

Select Constellations (viDoc only)

The Constellations section allows enabling or disabling specific satellite navigation systems used for positioning. Toggle each option on or off as needed.

Available constellations:

  • GPS (cannot be disabled)
  • SBAS
  • GALILEO
  • QZSS
  • GLONASS
  • BEIDOU


     

NTRIP Settings

NTRIP (Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol) streams real-time correction data from a base station to the rover to achieve centimeter-level accuracy.

NTRIP configuration includes:

  • NTRIP Credentials
  • Mountpoint Selection
  • Input Coordinate Reference System (CRS)

Enter the following details under NTRIP Settings:

  • Hostname / IP (IP is preferred when available)
  • Port Number
  • Username
  • Password

Select Validate NTRIP to confirm the connection.

RTKrover_NTRIP_credentials.png

 

Important: The device clock must be synchronized for NTRIP communication to function correctly.

  • iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > General > Date &Time > toggle on Set Automatically.
  • Android: go to Settings > General management > Date &Time > toggle on Automatic date and time.

Select Mountpoint

After validation, the Mountpoint screen becomes active. Select the preferred GNSS correction source. Depending on the CORS network, this can be a single base station or a triangulated network of nearby stations.

    Tip: Contact the NTRIP provider for details on available mountpoints.

    RTKrover_mountpoint.PNG

    Mountpoint Options

    Mountpoint Options

    Description

    Nearest | Net | VRS
    • Nearest: Single Base RTK corrections for the nearest station.
    • Net: Average of the three nearest base stations.
    • VRS: Virtual base created from nearby stations.
    MSM
    Multiple Signal Messages (RTCM 3.2 correction format).
    RTCM
    Standard correction format by Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM).
    • RTCM 2.3: GPS Only
    • RTCM 3.1: GPS + GLONASS
    • RTCM 3.2: GPS (including L5) + GLONASS + Galileo + BDS
    CMR
    Trimble correction format.
    • CMR: GPS Only
    • CMR+: GPS + GLONASS
    • CMRx: compressed format (GPS L5 + GLONASS + Galileo + BDS)
    iMAX
    Individualized Master Auxillary Correction - Leica network correction format using a real reference station for consistency and traceability.

     

    Select NTRIP CRS

    1. Go to Input Coordinate Reference system.
    2. Tap select NTRIP Coordinate system.
    3. Search for the desired CRS (only geographic coordinate systems are available).
    4. Select the CRS.
    5. A green checkmarkVector confirms a successful selection.

    CRS PLAN

     

    crs

     

    Commonly Used NTRIP CRS Options

    We compiled a list of coordinate reference systems commonly used for broadcasting NTRIP corrections from various regions. 

    Country or region
    Coordinate reference system
    Europe
    ETRS 89 (EPSG: 4258)
    United States
    NAD83(2011) (EPSG: 6318)
    Japan
    JGD2011 (EPSG:6668)
    Singapore
    SVY21 (EPSG:4757)

    Note: Refer to  Which geoids are compatible with PIX4Dcatch for supported geoid models.

    Next Steps

    Once the RTK device connection and configuration are complete, proceed to Capture a project with PIX4Dcatch to begin collectin data and measuring points.