PIX4Dcatch is an application available on iOS and Android for terrestrial photogrammetry. It utilizes available sensors in a mobile device (photo, LiDAR, IMU, GPS) while capturing data to create a 3D model.
The viDoc is a GNSS RTK receiver. It allows PIX4Dcatch to geolocate the images acquired by your mobile device with centimeter accuracy.
The data can be uploaded and processed on PIX4Dcloud to obtain 2D (orthophoto, DSM) and 3D (point cloud, mesh) results. Project data can also be exported and saved for processing using desktop software like PIX4Dmatic, and PIX4Dmapper.
This article describes the features and how to use the PIX4Dcatch application, connect to the viDoc RTK rover, capture a project, and process for the first time.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Install PIX4Dcatch
Mount the viDoc RTK rover to the device
Connect PIX4Dcatch to the viDoc RTK rover
PIX4Dcatch overview
Capture a project
Processing a project
PIX4Dcatch Settings
Single point measurements
Install PIX4Dcatch
Mount the viDoc RTK rover to the device
Connect PIX4Dcatch to the viDoc RTK rover
PIX4Dcatch overview
The home/capture screen is the primary interface when opening the app. The signal quality tab and user account options button are found at the top of the screen.
The GPS quality tab is visible before connecting the viDoc RTK rover. Select the dropdown menu to connect to the viDoc RTK rover.
The RTK dialog
The PIX4Dcatch RTK dialog.
Once the viDoc RTK rover is successfully connected to PIX4Dcatch, the RTK dialog will be visible. This screen displays information that can be used to monitor the status of the connection and the resulting accuracies.
- The header contains the RTK connection icon, satellite connections, battery level, and access to the RTK connection dialog.
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The green RTK icon indicates the successful connection to the viDoc RTK rover.
- 26 The number of satellites used in the RTK connection is indicated numerically. This number will vary in real time.
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Battery level indicator.
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The dropdown menu gives access to the RTK connection dialog.
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- RTK vertical and horizontal accuracy estimations.
- Indicates the accuracy to which the viDoc RTK rover is expected to achieve. The unit of measurement is based on the mobile device's regional setting.
- HDOP (Horizontal Dilution of Precision).
- Indicates the current quality of the position and distribution of the satellites. Generally, the HDOP value is considered ideal below 1.
- NTRIP RTK Status.
- Indicates the type of RTK NTRIP connection.
- RTK Fixed: Accuracy in the range of a few centimeters(in).
- RTK Float: Accuracy in the range of 1m(3ft)
- DGNSS Only: Accuracy in the range of up to 10m(32ft)
- Autonomous GNSS fix: Accuracy in the range of more than 10m(32ft)
- No Fix: The data is not valid, there are not enough satellites visible, or there are internet connection problems.
- Indicates the type of RTK NTRIP connection.
PIX4Dcatch Account dialog.
Account details
- Create Account: Access form for new users to create an account.
- Log in: Access form for existing account holders to log in.
More
- View Onboarding: View onboarding slides.
- Documentation: Opens the PIX4Dcatch documentation page to access learning materials.
- Community: Opens the PIX4Dcatch Community page.
- Pix4D Terms and Policies: List of Pix4D terms and policies.
- Third Party licenses: List of third-party licenses.
- App Usage Disclaimer: Access the PIX4Dcatch App Usage Disclaimer.
- The installed version of the PIX4Dcatch app.
PIX4Dcatch is ready to capture.
Capture functions and project folders are found at the bottom of the window. The capture button starts a capture, and the pause button
pauses a capture. During capture, the
button saves a project, and the
button aborts a project.
iOS and Android users who have LiDAR or ToF sensors in their devices can use the Live Preview feature to gain insight into what is being captured.
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Top view: Full view of the project area.
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First-person view: Focused view from the camera perspective.
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Cancel: Close the Live Preview window.
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Point Cloud: View the points collected.
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Cameras: Show the camera positions.
Use the live preview to help see what is captured.
PIX4Dcatch Project dialog.
- Search projects using keywords.
- Filter projects by type.
- Captured
- Processed
- Processing
- All
- The number of projects.
- Select multiple projects for deletion.
Each project thumbnail contains unique information, including the number of images, upload status, project name, and capture date. Tap and hold a project to access the project menu allowing further actions.
Project thumbnail menu.
- Rename: Rename the project
- Upload: Upload to PIX4Dcloud
- Export all data: Export the entire project to save or process locally.
- Export captured point cloud (PLY): Exports the collected point cloud from devices with LiDAR or TOF sensors. (This is not used in processing but for visualization in the Live Preview)
- Export captured mesh (OBJ): Export the collected mesh when selected.
- Export Logs: Exports the current log files documenting internal aspects of the entire project. It is important to export logs soon after a potential issue as they can be overwritten with new information.
- Delete: Deletes the project.
PIX4Dcatch Point Management dialog.
From the Point Management dialog window, it is possible to:
- See the number of collections.
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Toggle between list and map views.
- List of existing collections.
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Measurement coordinate reference system.
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The number of measured points in the collection.
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Start a New Collection.
Select a collection for the list of points measured.
PIX4Dcatch single point collection dialog.
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Export Point collection. Complete(full information) and PIX4Dmatic-based files(for direct import to PIX4Dmatic), along with logs, are exported.
- Collection name.
- The number of measured points currently in the collection.
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Toggle list and map views
- Collected points.
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PIX4Dcatch single point measurement dialog.
- Point name.
- RTK/GPS tag.
- Horizontal and vertical accuracies.
- Coordinates measured.
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Date measured.
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Measurement duration.
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Measure a new point.
- Output coordinate reference system for the Point collection.
PIX4Dcatch main settings dialog.
Use the Settings dialog to adjust and customize features within the PIX4Dcatch app.
For detailed information: Settings - PIX4Dcatch.
Capture a project
Once the viDoc RTK rover is successfully connected to PIX4Dcatch, wait for RTK Fixed. The number in the upper left indicates the number of satellites used in the connection. For an optimal experience, make sure the antenna is not obstructed and that you have a good internet connection.
PIX4Dcatch RTK dialog.
The accuracy values can vary and depend on multiple factors, for example:
- Blocked and reflected GNSS signal, close to buildings, trees, or bridges.
- Rapid movements of the device.
- Poor cellular reception.
For more information: GNSS and viDoc RTK rover best practices.
Processing a project
To process the data, you can use the following PIX4D software:
- PIX4Dcloud / PIX4Dcloud Advanced. The fastest cloud-based solution for downloading, processing and sharing results. PIX4Dcloud can process LiDAR data.
- PIX4Dmatic. Local solution, on PC or Mac. PIX4Dmatic can process LiDAR data.
- PIX4Dmapper. Local solution on PC.
Export formats by software :
- PIX4Dcloud / PIX4Dcloud Advanced: las, obj, tiff, dxf, csv, GeoJSON, shp.
- PIX4Dmatic: laz, obj, tiff, etc.
- PIX4Dmapper: las, obj, tiff, shp, dxf, mp4, pdf, etc.
PIX4Dcatch Settings
Advanced settings
Features available depend on the device used for capture. Please select the device make for detailed information.
Apple iPhone/iPad Advanced Settings
Capture Quality
PIX4Dcatch iOS Capture Quality settings
- Warning Sounds: Receive audible warnings during capture.
- Auto Focus: Sets the camera settings as autofocus.
- Skip Low-Quality Images Will perform some checks if the device is moving too fast and will not take photos. A warning message is shown on the screen during the capture.
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Resolution: Sets the resolution for the captured images. Resource dependency will increase with the selection of higher resolutions, including increased process times and extra storage requirements.
PIX4Dcatch iOS Resolution settings
- Normal: Lower than 4k*
- 4K: Approx. 4K*
- Maximum Resolution: above 4k*
* Depends on the device. Refer to the device specifications for more information.
View
PIX4Dcatch iOS View settings
- Shown Cameras: Display the camera indicator (image pyramid) for each captured photo.
- Show Feature Points: Display the feature points as detected by the device. More feature points mean better accuracy.
Mesh
PIX4Dcatch iOS Mesh settings
- Save Mesh: Save the Mesh OBJ file for export.
- Enable Mesh: Generates a Mesh from LiDAR depth data. Available only for devices with LiDAR.
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Mesh Settings: Set the mesh type and mesh colors.
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Mesh Type
- Mesh | Wireframe: Display the mesh or cameras as wireframes.
- Mesh Color: Allows to adjust the color of the mesh and/or the camera indicators based on the provided color bands. The value ranges from 0 to 1.
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Mesh Type
Other
PIX4Dcatch iOS Other settings
- Save Video: A video of the capture session is saved.
Android Advanced Settings
View
PIX4Dcatch Android View settings
- Shown Cameras: Display the camera indicator (image pyramid) for each captured photo.
- Show Feature Points: Display the feature points as detected by the device. More feature points mean better accuracy.
- Warning Sounds: Receive audible warnings during capture.
Mesh Color
PIX4Dcatch Android Mesh Color settings
Allows to adjust the color of the mesh and/or the camera indicators based on the provided color bands. The value ranges from 0 to 1.
Other
PIX4Dcatch Android Other settings
- Auto Focus: Sets the camera settings as autofocus.
Single Point Measurements
For an offline and printable version of this information: PIX4Dcatch & viDoc RTK rover Quick Start Guide.
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