FAQ - PIX4Dsurvey

 

What is PIX4Dsurvey?

PIX4Dsurvey bridges the gap between photogrammetry and CAD. It does so by providing access to the original images and the point cloud through the 3D view to vectorize and extract points, polylines, polygons and catenaries for a shorter time to delivery. Additionally, PIX4Dsurvey supports very large datasets or a combination of many datasets with an optimal experience.
The software expands today’s possibilities by enabling the combination of photogrammetry and third-party point clouds such as terrestrial laser scanners.

What is the difference between PIX4Dsurvey, PIX4Dmapper, and PIX4Dmatic?

The main difference is that PIX4Dmapper and PIX4Dmatic are primarily photogrammetry processing software, while PIX4Dsurvey is a tool for the vectorization of geospatial data.
Together they cover the complete workflow for transforming the acquired information (images, point clouds) to a deliverable suitable for CAD or GIS software.

Can PIX4Dsurvey process data?

PIX4Dsurvey does not calibrate the photogrammetric projects or generate dense point clouds. This is done by photogrammetric software PIX4Dmapper and PIX4Dmatic.

On the other hand, it is possible to post-process dense point clouds in PIX4Dsurvey by running Terrain filter and Grid of points processes.

Can PIX4Dsurvey extract terrain points and generate a DTM?

Yes, PIX4Dsurvey can classify point clouds into terrain and non-terrain classes and generate a representation of the ground surface by only using the terrain points. The workflow is the following:

• Terrain filter to classify selected input point clouds into terrain and non-terrain points.
• Grid of points to automate the creation of spot elevations. Using the Smart type creates points only where changes in terrain occur.
• TIN is a seamless set of triangles that represent a surface. When using only terrain points, the generated surface is a DTM.

The TIN can be exported as a surface in LandXML file format, which is fully compatible with CAD software.

What is the difference between PIX4Dsurvey and CAD software?

The main difference is that PIX4Dsurvey supports the seamless import of PIX4D projects with accurate results and images.
Unlike CAD software with its focus on design, PIX4Dsurvey provides vectorization and extraction tools and is optimized for handling and manipulation of very large datasets and point clouds.

Can PIX4Dsurvey replace the CAD products I typically use?

No. PIX4Dsurvey makes it easier to move from photogrammetry to your CAD product.

Can I import the vectorized data into CAD software?

Yes, PIX4Dsurvey exports vectorized data that can be seamlessly imported into CAD or GIS software using .dxf and .shp format.

You can import .dxf files into PIX4Dsurvey and use them as a reference and a base for vectorization. Snapping on existing vertices is supported, so you can really take advantage of the preexisting data.

Do I have access to PIX4Dsurvey if I have other PIX4D licenses?

PIX4Dsurvey is not included in the PIX4Dmapper or PIX4Dmatic licenses. You can purchase it separately on the Pix4D online store.

How do I try PIX4Dsurvey?

Every Pix4D account comes with a free trial of PIX4Dsurvey.

How can I download PIX4Dsurvey?

The latest release of PIX4Dsurvey is available on the Pix4D download page.

What hardware specifications do you need to run PIX4Dsurvey?

PIX4Dsurvey runs on both Mac and Windows.

This article covers PIX4Dsurvey’s minimum and recommended hardware specifications.

What is the price and type of licenses of PIX4Dsurvey?

PIX4Dsurvey is offered with monthly, yearly, three-year, and perpetual licenses. For more information: PIX4Dsurvey pricing.

How many computers can be bound to the same account?

Each PIX4Dsurvey license is paired with a Pix4D account. It can run on one computer at a time, but the license is floating and can be used on any computer. PIX4Dsurvey needs to be closed before you can open it on another device.

Does PIX4Dsurvey run on the cloud or locally?

PIX4Dsurvey is a desktop-only application that runs locally on Windows or Mac.

How can I share my PIX4Dsurvey projects?

It is possible to share PIX4Dsurvey projects over the internet using the Share to PIX4Dcloud tool.

Can I use PIX4Dsurvey with no internet connection?

It is possible to require an offline license in order to use PIX4Dsurvey on a device that is not connected to the internet. For more information: Offline license - PIX4Dsurvey

For now, an internet connection is required for the login, when opening the application and when closing the application. If there is no internet connection at application closing, the license will not be released, and it is not possible to access it from another device.

What are the inputs and outputs of PIX4Dsurvey?

PIX4Dsurvey allows the import of PIX4Dmapper and PIX4Dmatic projects, as well as independent .las or .laz files. It is also possible to import .dxf files with 2D and 3D objects. The full list of input files is available in this article.

The main output of PIX4Dsurvey are .dxf and .shp files that can be seamlessly imported in CAD or GIS software.

What is the default coordinate system in PIX4Dsurvey?

While PIX4Dsurvey requires a projected coordinate system, there is no default system. When a PIX4Dmapper project is imported, PIX4Dsurvey will use the coordinate system defined in the PIX4Dmapper project file.

What to do if "Las coordinate system unknown" error appears?

When importing an external point cloud, the coordinate system information needs to be written in the .las file.

If you are trying to import the external point cloud into an existing project that was previously created using the PIX4Dmapper project, then the import is still possible. Just make sure that the coordinates of the external point cloud are in the same coordinate system as specified in the PIX4Dmapper project.

If you are importing an external point cloud in an empty project, then you need to make sure the coordinate system is written directly in the .las file.

What is the largest point cloud I can import into PIX4Dsurvey?

You tell us! What you can process depends on your system resources, but we’ve successfully tested single file imports of 1.8 billion points on laptops, and more than 4 billion points in total.

Is it possible to align multiple point clouds?

Yes, different point clouds can be aligned using the Project registration tool.

Future developments

PIX4Dmatic will be developing, growing, and implementing new features specifically based on our user feedback. With this constant development, you can expect updates in our software that will translate into better decision-making. You can provide feedback on the PIX4Dsurvey community page.

How can I get technical support for PIX4Dsurvey?

Pix4D customers and trial holders: For technical questions, contact our Pix4D Support team.
Not a customer yet? For technical questions, post on the Pix4D Community or contact sales.