In a sign that the drone industry has reached a new phase in its evolution, drone companies are moving beyond drones. Photogrammetry solution provider Pix4D has launched Pix4Dcatch, a new app for getting ground images from iOS devices like iPads and iPhones.
The new app means that operators can use both ground and aerial images – from manned or unmanned aircraft – to create accurate models within the Pix4D platform. “Pix4Dcatch empowers users to easily create ground-based 3D models using an iOS mobile device,” says the press release. “No need to be an expert, the user simply scans the area of interest with Pix4Dcatch. The app records pictures along with GPS positions. Compatible with recent iOS devices, but optimized for the newest iPad Pro and iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max with LiDAR sensors, scanning is done with real-time 3D meshing for scene completion feedback. This process of giving live feedback enables a workflow that secures optimal results. Images are then automatically uploaded to Pix4Dcloud for a fast generation of scaled and georeferenced 3D models and points clouds that can be measured, shared and exported.”
Christoph Strecha, Founder and CEO of Pix4D, comments: “Until very recently, capturing accurate ground data for 3D modeling most often required specialized hardware or add-ons, as well as professional expertise. The strength of Pix4Dcatch is allowing anyone using consumer devices to easily acquire the right terrestrial data for digitizing the space around them and turn it into accurate 3D models. It is the missing link in data acquisition and complements Pix4D’s software solutions.” He adds “In previous years, drones have become accessible to a big audience. In response, Pix4D innovated to release Pix4Dcapture, a free mobile app that quickly became a reference tool for drone mapping. Today mobile devices are not only high-quality image capturing tools but are also becoming professional measurement tools, enabling Pix4D to leverage their use to offer end-to-end workflows to our customers.”
Pix4Dcatch is free to try. Download it now from the App Store.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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