New Pix4D viDoc RTK Rover for Ground-Based RTK-Grade 3D Scanning Announced

Amritha Narayanan, Pix4Dcatch Product Manager, provided information on the new ViDoc RTK rover from Pix4D, an industry leader in photogrammetry. The company is announcing the commercialization and worldwide exclusive distribution of the viDoc RTK rover, enabling ground-based RTK-grade 3D scanning with iOS mobile phones and tablets through the Pix4Dcatch app.

Conceived by vigram GmbH., a German company led by professional surveyors, the viDoc RTK rover is designed for accuracy and works with Pix4Dcatch for image acquisition. The hand-held RTK rover is a replacement for more expensive ground surveying equipment but is no less accurate in its mission to  to achieve 3D, actionable results. Users can couple the viDoc RTK rover to Pix4Dcatch via Bluetooth and connect to any NTRIP service of their choice. They can walk around their area of interest to acquire high-precision positional data for individual images.

This solution brings together the power of RTK accuracy with the combination of LiDAR and photogrammetry. It can be used with the following support devices: iPad Pro 11 2020, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max equipped with LiDAR sensors.

The viDoc RTK rover, synchronized with Pix4Dcatch, geotags the images of a 3D scan in real-time, while connected to any NTRIP service. Extensive research has revealed that it is possible to achieve 3D models with an absolute geolocation accuracy of less than 5 cm (read our White paper).

As is the case with other GNSS environments,  according to company materials, challenging GNSS environments can be described as areas where there is sufficient satellite availability for the receiver as a prerequisite for minimum accuracy, but where the signal can be partially shaded or reflected by trees, buildings and other objects. The actual results may vary due to the location and atmospheric activity, due to strong flickering, the condition and availability of the satellite system and the degree of multipath scattering and signal coverage.

Certain factors such as multipath scattering, obstacles, satellite geometry and atmospheric conditions can affect precision reliability. The stated specifications require stable setups, a clear view of the sky, an environment free of electromagnetic interference and multipath scattering, optimal GNSS configurations and, in addition, surveying methods as they are usually used for surveys of the highest order with occupation times adapted to the base lengths. Baselines over 30 km in length require ephemeris accuracy and occupation times of up to 24 hours may be necessary to achieve high-precision static specification.

RMS efficiency is based on repeatable on-site measurements. The achievable accuracy and the initialization time can vary depending on the type and performance data of the receiver and antenna, the geographic location of the user, atmospheric conditions, scintillation intensity, the status and availability of the GNSS constellation, the degree of multipath scattering and the proximity to shading (e.g. from large trees and buildings) vary.

Measurement iterations based on 1 minute. Better position accuracy can be achieved through error rate filtering.

In addition, the following resources are available:

• A blog article: https://www.pix4d.com/blog/launching-vidoc-rtk
• Product Page
• Pricing and general FAQ
• Technical Support Page
• Technical FAQ
• The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZxXa_5ilaM
• Technical data specification sheet

Can the ViDoc be used connected and disconnected from the Internet?

At the moment, using the viDoc requires an internet connection. To use the device, you need to connect to an NTRIP service that provides correctional position information to the device in real-time. This requires it to be connected to the internet.

What are some of the high points about this release that customers will be excited about?

The viDoc for Pix4Dcatch is a revolution in ground photogrammetry. By using this product in combination with Pix4Dcloud or desktop photogrammetry software, it is possible to achieve highly accurate ground-based 3D models accurate down to 5 cm (as seen in the white paper) with an iPhone or iPad. This means a consumer device can now be part of a professional surveying toolkit, which is an exciting change. It is also much cheaper than alternative equipment, which is always exciting for customers.

How do you think this product may revolutionize 3D scanning?

There are several ways this product is going to make an impact. Firstly, there is a low price point in comparison with conventional RTK rovers. It is currently selling for 4,490 CHF, which is significantly cheaper than alternative equipment which can cost over 10,000. Secondly, the ease of use and the high accuracy obtained mean the tool is still incredibly accurate despite the change in price. This is part of what makes the Pix4Dcatch+viDoc RTK rover an optimal solution for any professional seeking to create digital twins on their work-site. In particular, this solution could be used for underground utility mapping (such as underground networks of water, gas, fiber-optic, electricity), volume calculation of small stockpiles or mapping of road infrastructure. These are very widespread projects, and having a portable, accurate, and easy-to-use solution in the viDoc and Pix4Dcatch combination will bring an exciting new phase to construction and surveying technology.

What is the price point?

Prices can be found on the Pix4D store here: Pricing plans for viDoc RTK rover.

Is it available via subscription?

The viDoc RTK rover is a one-time purchase. Each purchase comes with a 1-month free license of Pix4Dcloud Advanced (see the pricing plan) that enables the generation of accurate 3D models and volume calculations. It is compatible with other Pix4D products, such as Pix4Dmapper and Pix4Dmatic, so current license holders can process their Pix4Dcatch and viDoc data with their software.

Tags: cloud, data, geospatial, GIS, imagery, laser scanner, mapping, mobile mapping, Pix4D

Categories: analytics, data, geospatial, GIS, laser radar, lidar, location based sensor fusion, mobile

This entry was posted on Friday, April 30th, 2021 at 7:30 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.