With PIX4Dcatch installed on your device, you are now ready to capture your dataset. There are several things to consider when doing this.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Standard georeferencing with meter level of accuracy using the integrated (phone) GNSS sensor.
- RTK georeferencing with the viDoc RTK Rover for centimeter-level accuracy. For more information: How to use PIX4Dcatch with viDoc RTK rover.
Select viDoc RTK via Bluetooth for RTK image geotags.
Plan the mission
Plan the mission ahead to ensure the best results. Once you have identified and assessed the subject you can begin to create an acquisition plan.
1. Launch PIX4Dcatch.
2. Determine the optimal path to take. Depending on the subject matter and size of the area, you can take a circular or linear capture path. For larger areas, the use of multiple parallel paths can be considered as well. Once the path has been identified, be sure to remove or notate potential hazards along the route.
- Orbital captures should include overlap over the initial starting point when possible. i.e. 380 degrees.
- When following a linear path try to avoid doubling back along the same path.
- When using parallel paths ensure some overlap on the sides.
Important:Maintaining a consistent camera direction throughout capture will render better results. Wide swings or exaggerations in movement should be avoided.
- Gain elevation or add reach as needed.
- Easier to handle allowing focus on surroundings for safer captures.
Capture
With a plan in place, it is time to acquire the dataset. The following tips will help you get started right.
Illustration showing better practices when capturing.
- For best results capture rich textures in good lighting, such as outdoor scenes.
- Move slowly to have uniform image triggering during image acquisition.
- Slightly tilt the device downwards during the acquisition to avoid collecting too much unnecessary background information.
- Avoid reflective surfaces especially if exposed to a direct light source. Reflective surfaces are difficult to reconstruct when they are exposed to direct light.
- Do not use it as a 360 camera capturing from a single point. Instead, walk along or around the area of interest. Move while turning.
- Do not orbit only 360 degrees around the object during circular image acquisition. Instead, orbit approximately 380 degrees around the object, with the last images overlapping with the first ones.
- Don’t be too close to the object.
1. Tap the record icon 
, and slowly move the device to start capturing. The app will automatically start capturing images based on the selected settings.
iOS and Android users who have LiDAR or ToF sensors in their devices can use the Live Preview feature to gain insight into what is being captured.
Use the live preview to help see what is captured.
2. If necessary, tap the pause icon 
to pause the recording. Tap the record icon to start recording again.
3. After the capturing is completed, tap 
to save the captured images.
After finishing the mission, a project is created and images are stored on the device.
With your saved project you are ready to process it or start a new project.
Refer to Processing the images for more information on how to process.
Refer to How to export PIX4Dcatch projects (iOS/Android) for more information on how to export your project.
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