Georeference of datasets, outputs and annotations - PIX4Dcloud
Each dataset in PIX4Dcloud, including its outputs and annotations, is assigned a coordinate system. The coordinate system depends on several factors, including the type of inputs, the processing workflow, and whether advanced georeferencing features are used. This article explains how coordinate systems are defined for datasets, outputs, and annotations in PIX4Dcloud, and highlights specific behavior available with the PIX4Dcloud Pro license (formerly PIX4Dcloud Advanced).
IN THIS ARTICLE
Factors affecting the coordinate system
Dataset and output coordinate system
Annotations coordinate system
Licenses: This article is valid for PIX4Dcloud Starter and PIX4Dcloud Pro licenses (formerly PIX4Dcloud Advanced).
Roles: Only Owners, Managers, and Editors can create and process datasets in PIX4Dcloud.
Factors affecting the coordinate system
The coordinate system of a dataset and its outputs is determined by one or more of the following:
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The geolocation information contained in the input images or uploaded results
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The output coordinate system selected during project creation or processing
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The use of Ground Control Points (GCPs) or AutoGCP detection (PIX4Dcloud Pro only)
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Whether the dataset is processed in PIX4Dcloud or results are uploaded from other Pix4D products
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The software used to create the project (for example, PIX4Dmapper, PIX4Dmatic, or PIX4Dcatch)
Dataset and output coordinate system
Information: All datasets belonging to the same site must use the same coordinate system to enable output comparison and measurement across datasets.
Datasets Created by Uploading Images to PIX4Dcloud
PIX4Dcloud requires images to contain geolocation information in WGS84.
| Image Geolocation | Use of AutoGCP (PIX4Dcloud Pro) |
Dataset and Outputs coordinate system |
| Yes (WGS84) | Yes | The horizontal and vertical coordinate system defined by the GCPs. |
| No |
The selected horizontal and vertical output coordinate system. By default, WGS84 / UTM (zone derived from image EXIF data). |
|
| No | Not applicable |
Images without geolocation are not supported. |
Note: PIX4Dcloud expects image geolocation to be provided in WGS84.
Datasets Created by Uploading Results to PIX4Dcloud
When results are uploaded directly to PIX4Dcloud without image processing, the dataset coordinate system is defined as follows:
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If at least one georeferenced output is uploaded (for example, a GeoTIFF orthomosaic, DSM, or a point cloud), the dataset uses the coordinate system of the first georeferenced output.
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When multiple georeferenced outputs are uploaded, all files must use the same coordinate system.
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Replacing an existing output requires the new file to use the same coordinate system as the dataset; otherwise, alignment issues will occur.
Coordinate System by Output Type
| Output Type |
Coordinate System Behavior |
| Point cloud (.LAS/.LAZ) | Coordinate system is usually embedded, but not guaranteed. |
| Orthomosaic / DSM (GeoTIFF) | Coordinate system is usually embedded, but not guaranteed. |
| 3D mesh (.OBJ) | OBJ files do not contain coordinate system information. |
| IFC (.IFC) | Coordinate system may be embedded, but PIX4Dcloud does not read it. |
When importing a 3D mesh or IFC file, a manual procedure is required to define the dataset coordinate system.
Projects Uploaded from PIX4Dmapper
For projects uploaded from PIX4Dmapper:
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The dataset and output coordinate system in PIX4Dcloud corresponds to the Output Coordinate System defined in PIX4Dmapper prior to upload.
Projects Uploaded from PIX4Dcatch
| RTK Usage | Dataset and Output Coordinate System |
| RTK enabled | The coordinate system defined in the RTK Device Settings dialog. |
| RTK not enabled |
By default, WGS84 / UTM (zone derived from image EXIF data), provided images are geolocated in WGS84 |
Annotations coordinate system
Coordinates Displayed in the 2D/3D View
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Horizontal coordinates: Displayed as latitude and longitude in WGS84 (decimal degrees) and as X/Y values in the dataset coordinate system
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Vertical coordinates: Displayed using the dataset vertical coordinate system. Units are meters (m) or international feet (ft), based on account preferences.
Coordinates of Exported Annotation Layers
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Horizontal coordinates: Exported in WGS84 or the dataset coordinate system, depending on the selected export format
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Vertical coordinates: Same as the dataset vertical coordinate system
Coordinates of Imported Annotation Layers
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Horizontal coordinates: Must be provided in WGS84
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Vertical coordinates: Must match the dataset vertical coordinate system
Information: For additional information about units, vertical references, and coordinate handling, refer to the PIX4Dcloud - FAQ.