PIX4Dmatic is a desktop photogrammetry software developed by Pix4D, optimized for processing large-scale datasets (e.g., up to 10,000 images at 20 MP each) from drones, terrestrial scanners, or other sources. It enables fast generation of high-quality 3D models, point clouds, orthomosaics, and DSMs for applications in surveying, agriculture, construction, mining, and forensics. Unlike PIX4Dmapper, which is more general-purpose, PIX4Dmatic focuses on efficiency for massive projects with GPU acceleration for key steps like calibration and densification.
PiX4Dmatic 1.81 is a minor stable release (likely a patch following 1.8.0, based on the versioning pattern of previous updates like 1.7.3 to 1.8). It includes bug fixes and performance tweaks inherited from recent versions, such as improved DSM speed for corridor projects and better handling of large image lists. Specific new features in the 1.8 series emphasize workflow enhancements, like text file imports for geolocation (.csv/.txt) and sky shaders in the rayCloud view. For full changelogs, refer to the technical release notes, as minor patches like 1.8.1 typically address stability without major announcements.
Key Features (Core to V1.8 Framework)
- Processing Pipeline: Automatic aerial triangulation, dense point cloud generation (with LiDAR-RGB fusion for PIX4Dcatch projects), orthomosaic creation, and 3D meshing.
- Analysis Tools: Clipping boxes for targeted exports, point cloud editing for noise reduction, vector layer templates, and GCP export. Supports manual registration for aligning sub-projects.
- Visualization: RayCloud view with up to 6-column image display, status center for processing monitoring, and customizable backgrounds/sky shaders.
- Exports and Integration: Outputs in formats like .las (v1.4), .obj, and PDF reports; compatible with PIX4Dsurvey for further CAD/GIS work.
- Automation: GPU-accelerated (NVIDIA CUDA only) for faster large-project handling; geoid model expansions (e.g., TWGEOID2018h, LV14).
