How to create an orthoplane - PIX4Dmatic

An orthoplane is an accurate 2D representation created from a section of the point cloud. This article explains how to use the orthoplane tool in PIX4Dmatic.

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Orthoplane

Export

Orthoplane

The orthoplane feature generates orthomosaics for vertical and horizontal surfaces, such as building facades or floor plans. It provides accurate, scaled 2D representations. An orthoplane is ideal for architectural surveys, inspections, and preservation projects, offering precise measurements and detailed visual information without distortion. It integrates seamlessly with existing georeferencing and photogrammetry techniques to ensure accurate mapping of vertical structures. The orthoplane is part of the Section view. For more information: Section view - PIX4Dmatic.

Note: The Orthoplane feature is available for PIX4Dmatic version 1.66 or newer.

To create an Orthoplane in PIX4Dmatic:

From View > Control Panel > Section View, create a Section by clicking the Draw section.
Define the section by two points.
Adjust the Section box to the desired project area. The adjustment could be done manually or by changing the size and orientation from the Section box tab.
Navigate to the Orthoplane tab.
The following settings can be set:

Point cloud	This processing option defines which point cloud is used for the DSM generation. The following options are available: Dense point cloud. Depth point cloud. Depth & dense fusion.
Algorithm	Allows switching between the orthomosaic creation algorithms. HW accelerated (Default): The generation of the orthoplane will be computed using a GPU-capable algorithm. This option can contribute to reduced processing time. Standard: The generation of the orthoplane will be computed using the standard algorithm.
Resolution	Defines the spatial resolution used to generate the orthoplane. The orthoplane resolution is the same as the resolution of the DSM. For example, if the DSM resolution is set to 5 cm then the orthoplane resolution is also 5 cm.
Surface smoothing	This setting is applied to the generated DSM. When using Low values, the final DSM contains sharper features and edges. When using High values, the DSM is smoothed out. Surface smoothing (0 - 20, 12 - default): The radius of the median filter can be selected to determine the effect of DSM smoothing: 0: No smoothing is applied. Low (values closer to 1): Tries to preserve the orientation of the surface and to keep sharp features such as corners and edges of buildings. High (values closer to 20): Tries to smooth areas based on a larger surrounding area. Sharp edges will be smoothed out. Areas that are not very planar are smoothed and become planar.
Interpolation	Affects the completeness of the generated DSM: Interpolation - Enabled (Default): The entire area of the DSM is filled. Areas with missing data in the point cloud are filled based on the neighboring points. Interpolation - Disabled: Only areas where the point cloud is generated are reconstructed in the DSM model. Where the point cloud is not generated or is not dense enough holes in the DSM appear.
Deghosting	By default disabled: Removes objects that move during the flight when generating the orthomosaic. For example, a moving animal in the images will not appear on the generated orthoplane, when the Deghosting option is enabled.

After selecting the desired settings, click on Generate orthoplane.

Tip: Generating a new orthoplane will not replace the existing orthoplanes.

Export

After creating the Orthoplane and modifying the settings, click on Export to export the Orthoplane to the location identified in the Destination setting. The status bar will be updated with the progress of the export.

After the export is complete, a .jpg file will be created in the desired location for further use. A complimentary .jgw file is also created in the same folder to georeference the orthoplane.