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How to use a custom coordinate system in PIX4Dcatch

PIX4Dcatch supports importing WKT files to define and use custom projected coordinate systems. This article describes how to import these files into PIX4Dcatch.

IN THIS ARTICLE
 
     Import a WKT file during project upload.
     Import a WKT file when creating a Point Collection.
     Import a WKT file from Project Settings.

PIX4Dcatch supports the use of custom projected Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS) through Well-Known Text (WKT) files. This allows you to work with coordinate systems that are not supported or unavailable in the default CRS catalog in the PIX4Dcatch app.

A WKT file is a plain-text file that defines all parameters of a CRS. PIX4Dcatch supports both WKT1 and WKT2 formats, allowing you to use custom CRS and Site Localization files. To ensure successful import and correct processing in PIX4Dcatch, the WKT file must follow the OGC Well-Known Text for Coordinate Reference Systems standard, define a projected CRS, use only PIX4D-recognized geoid models if included, and avoid invalid combinations such as pairing an EPSG vertical CRS with a custom or constant geoid height.

PIX4D also provides a Site localization calculator through your PIX4D account. This tool can create Site Localization files in WKT format, compatible with PIX4Dcatch, PIX4Dmatic, PIX4Dcloud, and third-party applications. For more information, see the article about Site localization calculator.

Import a WKT file during Project Upload.

You can import a WKT file while uploading a project to PIX4Dcloud. In this case, the coordinate system defined in the WKT file is used as the output CRS for processing. All generated results are in this custom coordinate system specified by the WKT file. 

To use the WKT when uploading to PIX4Dcloud, follow these steps:

  1. Tap the Upload Upload icon icon to upload the project to the PIX4Dcloud. 

  2. In the Cloud Processing Options screen, tap Output coordinate reference system. 

  3. Tap Import Coordinate System/Import WTK file.

  4. Tap Import file and select the desired WKT file.

  5. Tap Select. If the import is successful, the WKT file name will display under the Imported Coordinate System.

    upload project

 Import a WKT file when creating a Point Collection 

You can also import a WKT file when creating a Point Collection to ensure control points (GCPs, checkpoints, or MTPs) are recorded in a custom coordinate system.

To import a WKT file when creating a new point collection, follow these steps:

  1. Tap the Survey icon located in the lower-right corner.
    box survey
  2. Tap + New to create a new point collection.
  3.  Enter a name for the Point Collection. 

    create point collection
  4. Select Import Coordinate System.
  5. Tap Import File and select the WKT file. The file name will appear under Import Coordinate System.
  6. Tap Create.

Note:  The selected WKT file is saved and suggested by default for future Point Collections unless it is removed or changed.

Import a WKT file using the Project Settings

The custom output CRS can also be set in PIX4Dcatch through Project Settings. When you import a WKT file, the coordinate system defined in it becomes the default output CRS for all future projects. New point collections and projects will automatically use this coordinate system unless you manually select a different output CRS. 

To use the WKT in the project settings, follow these steps:

  1.  Tap the User icon undefined-Jun-05-2026-03-29-08-1990-PM located on the top right corner of the main screen.   
  2. Under Settings, tap on Project Settings.
  3. Tap on Output coordinate reference system.
  4. Tap Import Coordinate System/Import WKT file.
  5. Tap Import File and select the WKT file. 
    IMG_4191-portrait

  6. Tap Select. The file name will appear under Imported Coordinate System.

Note:  The selected custom CRS is used as the default for future projects and Point Collections unless modified.