FAQ

FAQ - PIX4Dmatic

 

What is PIX4Dmatic?

PIX4Dmatic is a next-generation desktop photogrammetry application designed to process large-scale drone and terrestrial datasets. It leverages advanced algorithms to efficiently generate point clouds, 3D models, and other outputs with high accuracy. The software supports various horizontal and vertical coordinate systems and integrates with other Pix4D products for streamlined workflows, making it ideal for working with complex geospatial data from both aerial and ground-level imagery.

What is the difference between PIX4Dmatic and PIX4Dmapper?

Both PIX4Dmatic and PIX4Dmapper are designed for precise photogrammetric processing of aerial and terrestrial projects.  This article explores their similarities and differences in detail: PIX4Dmatic and PIX4Dmapper comparison.

Do I have access to PIX4Dmatic if I have a PIX4Dmapper license?

No. PIX4Dmatic is a separate product and requires a valid PIX4Dmatic license. A free trial is available for those who want to test it.

For more information about how to get a trial: PIX4Dmatic trial, sign up, and login

Does PIX4Dmatic run on the cloud or locally?

PIX4Dmatic is a desktop-only application compatible with Windows and macOS, running locally on your device. Results can be uploaded to PIX4Dcloud for easy sharing.

For more information: How to upload results and outputs to PIX4Dcloud.

Future developments

PIX4Dmatic will continue to evolve, introducing new features driven by user feedback. With ongoing development, software updates will enhance decision-making and overall performance. Share your feedback on the PIX4Dmatic Community page.

What are the required hardware specifications to run PIX4Dmatic?

For more information about hardware specifications: PIX4Dmatic Recommended Hardware.

Which operating systems are supported by PIX4Dmatic?

PIX4Dmatic is supported on Windows and MacOS.

For more information: PIX4Dmatic Recommended Hardware.

Can PIX4Dmatic be used with no internet connection?

An offline PIX4Dmatic license can be requested for use on a device without an internet connection.

For more information: Offline license - PIX4Dmatic

Important:

  • OTC licenses (no S&U) are node-locked. However, if a system failure occurs, the license may be reissued once upon approval from Pix4D.
  • 3 and 5-year licenses (with S&U) are node-locked. In the event of a system failure, the license may be reissued once per year, subject to Pix4D’s approval, while maintaining the original validity period.

How can I try PIX4Dmatic?

For more information on how to get a trial: PIX4Dmatic trial, sign up, and login.

How can I download PIX4Dmatic?

The latest PIX4Dmatic release is available on the Pix4D download page.

How much does PIX4Dmatic cost?

PIX4Dmatic is offered with monthly, yearly, three-year, and perpetual licenses.

For more information: PIX4Dmatic pricing.

How to cancel the subscription plan?

The subscription plan can be canceled anytime.

For more information: How to cancel the subscription plan.

How many computers can be bound to the same account?

Each PIX4Dmatic license is linked to a Pix4D account and can be used on one computer at a time. However, since the license is floating, it can be transferred between devices. To switch computers, PIX4Dmatic must be closed on the current device, and an active internet connection is required during closure.

What are the inputs and outputs of PIX4Dmatic?

The primary inputs for PIX4Dmatic are aerial and terrestrial images. Once processed, dense point clouds, 3D Textured Meshes, DSMs, and orthomosaics can be exported.

For more information on input files: Inputs.

For more information on output files: Outputs.

What is the highest number of images that can be processed with PIX4Dmatic?

The maximum number of images that can be processed with PIX4Dmatic depends on the processing hardware. The algorithms are designed to scale to any number of images. In practice, datasets of over 10,000 images have been processed successfully on the PIX4Dmatic Recommended Hardware, indicating significant potential for larger datasets. To explore the software’s capabilities with large datasets, obtain a trial of PIX4Dmatic. If any issues arise, please contact our support team for assistance.

What cameras are supported by PIX4Dmatic?

PIX4Dmatic is compatible with any RGB camera with basic EXIF/XMP tags. There are no limitations on sensor size, allowing the use of large-frame cameras.

If image geolocation and orientation are not embedded in the EXIF data, they can be imported from a text file. For more information: How to import and export image geolocation and orientation files - PIX4Dmatic

For more information: Which cameras are supported in PIX4Dmatic.

For any specific camera inquiries, please contact Pix4D technical support or visit the Pix4D community. The Pix4D team regularly monitors the requests and updates the Community.

Will PIX4Dmatic support my RTK/PPK workflow?

Yes, RTK/PPK workflow is fully supported in PIX4Dmatic. Accurate image geolocation and orientation values can be written directly in the EXIF of images or imported in a separate .csv or .txt file.

For more information: RTK/PPK workflow - PIX4Dmatic.

How to generate a DTM in PIX4Dmatic?

A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) cannot be generated directly in PIX4Dmatic. However, any PIX4Dmatic project can be opened in PIX4Dsurvey, where the generated point cloud can be used for further analysis and feature extraction.  PIX4Dsurvey allows for DTM generation and volume calculations.

Can terrestrial images be processed with PIX4Dmatic?

Yes, highly oblique images captured at ground level from any camera can be processed with PIX4Dmatic. However, a dedicated workflow is available for PIX4Dcatch, Pix4D’s 3D mobile scanning application. This workflow enables the scanning and processing of both RGB images and LiDAR data from Apple iOS devices for enhanced modeling accuracy.

What coordinate systems are supported by PIX4Dmatic?

PIX4Dmatic utilizes the latest coordinate system libraries to ensure accuracy with up-to-date parameters. It also supports horizontal grid corrections and multiple geoid models for enhanced geospatial precision.

For more information: How to work with coordinate systems in PIX4Dmatic.

Does PIX4Dmatic support geoid models?

Yes, PIX4Dmatic supports global geoids (EGM84, EGM96, and EGM2008) as well as local geoids, such as GEOID18 in the US and OSGM15 in the UK. For local geoids not included in the PIX4Dmatic database, a Geoid height value can be specified to convert between ellipsoidal and orthometric heights.

For a full list of supported geoid models: How to use vertical coordinate systems and geoids in PIX4Dmatic.

If a required geoid is missing, please contact Pix4D technical support or visit the Pix4D community.

What is the accuracy of the PIX4Dmatic results?

The accuracy of PIX4Dmatic results depends on multiple factors, including the geolocation accuracy of the images, camera quality, ground sampling distance (GSD), use of ground control points (GCPs), and the characteristics of the mapped area.

For more information: Accuracy of PIX4D outputs.

How can I save undistorted images and export the camera parameters?

This can be achieved by exporting the project as an OPF file and running a Python script to undistort the images. The workflow is as follows:

  1. Process the project in Pix4Dmatic.

  2. Export the project as an OPF file.

  3. Use the pyopf Python package to undistort the images as described here: https://github.com/Pix4D/pyopf 

How can I perform a crush analysis of a crash reconstruction in PIX4Dmatic?

PIX4Dmatic does not directly support crush analysis. However, its outputs can be used as input for further processing in third-party crush analysis software.

How can contour lines be generated in PIX4Dmatic?

PIX4Dmatic does not generate contour lines directly. However, contour lines can be created by importing the project into PIX4Dsurvey for further processing.

How can I get technical support for PIX4Dmatic?

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