Vectorization

Pix4Dsurvey allows you to vectorize point clouds made with Pix4Dmapper, Pix4Dmatic, laser scanners, LiDAR or other third-party tools and to assign the objects to layers. You can precisely define the position of the geometry by using original images or the vertex editor. 

Vectorization tools in Pix4Dsurvey

The following tools are available:

• Simple selection (default).
• Rectangular selection
• Polyline.
• Marker.
• Polygon.
• Catenary.

How to use vectorization tools in Pix4Dsurvey

Vectorization tools specifics:

• Simple selection (default): Click on the object to select it. Right-click on the object to use Move to layer or Delete geometry options. 
• Rectangular selection: Hold down Ctrl to freeze the screen and select the points in the point cloud. Right-click on the selected points to use Recycle, and Assign to options.
• Polyline: Minimum two points need to be clicked in the 3D view to define a polyline.
• Marker: Click on a point in the 3D view to create a marker.
• Polygon: Minimum three points need to be clicked in the 3D view to define a polygon.
• Catenary: For vectorization of freely hanging power lines, chains and ropes. Minimum three points need to be clicked in the 3D view.
  Tip: When vectorizing catenaries, the order of the clicks is not important. The mathematical line that represents the catenary curve will be calculated based on all clicked points.

To use the vectorization tools:

1. Select the tool on the toolbar.
2. Left-click on the point cloud in the 3D view to create the first vertex and to start the vectorization.
3. Continue using left-click to add more vertices to the geometry.
4. (Optional) Press the Esc key to cancel the vectorization. 
5. To finish the geometry:
   • Either Right-click in the 3D view to add the last vertex and to finish the geometry.
   • Or press Enter to accept the edits and to finish the geometry.
6. (Optional) Right-click again to exit the vectorization tool and to change to Simple selection (default).

Editing geometry in the 3D view

To move the vertex in the 3D view:

1. Use the Simple selection tool to click on an object.
2. Click on the existing geometry.
3. Click on the vertex and drag it to the new position.
    

   Tip: To speed up the editing, move to the next vertex using the Tab shortcut.

After moving the vertex to the new position, the edits are automatically taken into account and you can continue creating new geometries or edit existing ones. 

To add a vertex to existing geometry:

1. Use the Simple selection tool to click on an object.
2. Hover over the section where you would like to add the vertex.
3. Click to create a new vertex.

To remove a vertex from existing geometry:

1. Use the Simple selection tool to click on an object.
2. Click on the existing geometry.
3. Click on the vertex and press the Delete key.

To split the polyline

1. Use the Simple selection tool to click on an object.
2. Right-click on the vertex where you would like to split the polyline.
3. Click Split polyline.

After the polyline is split, two separate polylines are created. The polylines share the vertex in which they were split.

Editing geometry on images

To move the vertex on the images:

1. Use the Simple selection tool to click on an object.
2. Click on the vertex on the image and drag it to the new position on at least two images.
3. Click Ctrl + Enter to accept the edits.
    

   Tip: To speed up the vectorization, accept the edits by simply clicking in the 3D view or moving to the next vertex using the Tab shortcut.
4. (Optional) Hit the Esc key to cancel the edit.

After moving the vertex to the new position on at least two images, the position of the vertex is automatically changed and updated. 

Editing geometry with vertex editor

It is possible to manually adjust the coordinates of created vertexes. 

To move the vertex using the vertex editor:

1. Use the Simple selection tool to click on an object.
2. Click on the vertex. The dialog Coordinates opens in the bottom left corner of the screen.
3. Edit the coordinate values by:
   • Typing the new coordinate values.
   • Adjusting the coordinate values with the +/- button. 
4. Click Ctrl + Enter to accept the edits.
    

   Tip: To speed up the vectorization, accept the edits by simply clicking in the 3D view.
5. (Optional) Hit the Esc key to cancel the edit.