How to use Pix4Dcatch with viDoc RTK rover – Support

Using Pix4Dcatch with a viDoc RTK rover enables RTK-grade 3D scanning with the iPhone or iPad.

Basic requirements:

Pix4Dcatch iOS app on an iPhone or iPad.
viDoc RTK rover.
NTRIP service subscription.
Internet access.
Pix4Dmapper or Pix4Dcloud license for processing.

IN THIS ARTICLE

Install Pix4Dcatch
Connect Pix4Dcatch to the viDoc RTK rover
Capture a dataset
Process the dataset

Install Pix4Dcatch

At the moment, Pix4Dcatch with the viDoc RTK rover is only available on iOS. To set up Pix4Dcatch:

Install Pix4Dcatch from the App store.
Start Pix4Dcatch.
Select the icon on the screen.
In the Account Details, select:
- (New users) Create account and create a new Pix4D account.
- (Existing users) Log in with an existing Pix4D account.

Once Pix4Dcatch is installed on the device, you can already start acquiring datasets using the integrated GNSS sensor.

To get precise image geolocation, check the next chapter Connect Pix4Dcatch to the viDoc RTK rover.

Connect Pix4Dcatch to the viDoc RTK rover

Before starting the image acquisition, charge the viDoc RTK rover for 6 hours.

Note: To mount viDoc RTK rover on the device.

The iPad:

Loosen the screw at the bottom of the rover.
Mount the rover onto the iPad, positioning it at the center.
The iPad has inbuilt magnets in its outer edges that ensure that the device is centered.
Once positioned, tighten the screw to the point at which the rover.

The iPhone:

Insert the iPhone into the SP connect case.
Mount the rover to the case by following the instructions provided with the SP connect case.

Mount the viDoc RTK rover to the mobile device
Turn on the rover with a single long press. The green light on the rover indicates it is turned on.
Open the device settings and turn on Bluetooth.
Start Pix4Dcatch.
In the top-left corner of the screen, select the signal indicator and select viDoc RTK via Bluetooth.

Select viDoc RTK via Bluetooth.
In the RTK Device Settings dialog:
- Select the viDoc RTK rover under Available Bluetooth Devices.
- Enter the NTRIP details and select Connect:
  - Hostname / IP
  - Port number
  - Username
  - Password
- When the connection is established, select Choose mountpoint and select the preferred mountpoint.
Select Save.

A successful connection to the NTRIP service is indicated with a green RTK icon.

Note: Turn off the viDoc RTK rover after every use to avoid additional charges from the NTRIP service provider.

Capture a dataset

Once the viDoc RTK rover is successfully connected to Pix4Dcatch, wait for the RTK fix. For an optimal experience, make sure the antenna is not obstructed and that you have a good internet connection.

For more information on acquiring images, see Pix4Dcatch - (Android, iOS) Getting started article.

Example: After the RTK fix is established, the Horizontal Accuracy and Vertical Accuracy are in the range of a few centimeters. In ideal conditions, the values are close to 0.01m.

Pix4Dcatch_RTK_fix

The accuracy values can vary and depend on multiple factors, for example:

Blocked and reflected GNSS signal, close to building, trees, or bridges.
Rapid movements of the device.
Poor cellular reception.

For more information, see GNSS and viDoc RTK rover best practices.

Process the dataset

After the image acquisition is finished, it is possible to Upload and process on Pix4Dcloud or Process locally with Pix4Dmapper.

Important: The dataset can be exported and processed with a valid license:

A Pix4Dcloud (Pix4Dcloud and Pix4Dcloud Advanced) license is required to upload the project for cloud processing.
A Pix4Dmapper (OTC, monthly, and yearly) license is required to export the project from the app.

Install Pix4Dcatch

Connect Pix4Dcatch to the viDoc RTK rover

Capture a dataset

Process the dataset

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