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2D/3D Comparison - PIX4Dcloud Pro

The 2D/3D Comparison feature in PIX4Dcloud Pro enables users to visually analyze changes over time by comparing outputs from two different datasets within the same Site. By synchronizing views in 2D or 3D, users can efficiently assess progress, detect differences, and enrich the comparison with additional information such as annotations, design overlays, or IFC files.

IN THIS ARTICLE

Supported outputs for comparison
Comparing two datasets
Sharing a 2D/3D comparison

Licenses: This article is only valid for PIX4Dcloud Pro licenses (formerly PIX4Dcloud Advanced).

Roles: Only Owners, Managers, and Editors can access and use the 2D/3D Comparison feature in a dataset in PIX4Dcloud.

 

Video: The following video tutorial explains step-by-step how to compare two point clouds with the Compare functionality in PIX4Dcloud Pro. 

Supported outputs for comparison

The following outputs can be compared in Compare mode:

  • In 2D view:
  • In 3D view:
    • Point cloud,
    • 3D mesh,
    • Annotations,
    • IFC file.

Comparing two datasets

Warning:
  • The Compare mode is available only for datasets assigned to a Site. For more information, see How to assign a dataset to a site.

  • Only two datasets belonging to the same Site can be compared.

  • All outputs must be georeferenced in the same coordinate system.

To compare two datasets:

  1. In PIX4Dcloud Pro, open a Site from the Drive.

  2. Select a dataset in the timeline.

  3. In the upper bar, next to the timeline, click Compare to activate Compare mode.

  4. In the bottom-right corner, select the desired view (2D or 3D).

  5. The initially selected dataset is shown as Dataset 2 (icon_2.png) by default.

    • Click the calendar icon (calendar.png) and select a second dataset date to define Dataset 1 (icon_1.png).
      dataset_1_comparison.png

  6. Once both datasets are selected, they are displayed in the selected view, separated by a comparison slider.

    • Move the slider horizontally or vertically (depending on the split mode) to compare results.

    • Zoom and pan to inspect details.
      2D_3D_compare_view_PIX4DcloudAdvanced.gif

  7. (Optional) Change either dataset at any time using the date picker.

  8. To exit Compare mode, click Exit compare mode in the upper bar.

Information: 

  • Only dates with available datasets can be selected.

  • If multiple datasets exist on the same day, the capture time can be specified.

  • If the selected dataset contains only 2D outputs, no data is shown in the 3D view.

Note: Two view modes are available: vertical vertical_split_mode.png (default) or horizontal split_mode.png. Switching views is possible at any time, clicking the corresponding mode icons.
Tip: The accuracy of the 2D/3D Comparison depends on the absolute accuracy of the outputs. Using GCPs or RTK-enabled drones improves comparison reliability.

Sharing a 2D/3D Comparison

While in Compare mode, the comparison can be shared with stakeholders:

  1. Click Share in the top-right corner.

  2. Copy and share the generated link.

Users with access to the shared link can switch datasets to other dates available within the same Site to perform additional comparisons.