Terrestrial scanning solution from Emlid and PIX4D accelerates data capture for construction and utilities

By SS Advertiser on 1 May, 2024

Demand for fast and efficient terrestrial data collection is growing across the industries, yet the technology still requires extensive surveying expertise and can be costly to implement.

To streamline and accelerate complex field-to-office workflows, Emlid and Pix4D are launching a mobile scanning kit that will allow anyone on the team to capture accurate 3D scans with a smartphone, the new PIX4Dcatch 2.0 app, and an Emlid Reach RX RTK network rover.

Plug & play: fully integrated solution
The recently upgraded PIX4Dcatch 2.0 app is at the core of the software part of the kit, offering a streamlined, precise terrestrial photogrammetry and LiDAR (if using a LiDAR-enabled smartphone) scanning solution.

The hardware part features the Emlid Reach RX RTK network rover, equipped with an ergonomic handle and accessories. Paired with a smartphone, the kit creates a compact and cost-effective scanning solution.

The PIX4D & Emlid kit comes with a handle shaped to enable both left or right handed use.

The Emlid Reach RX is natively integrated with PIX4Dcatch 2.0 Pro and provides RTK GNSS survey quality positioning via NTRIP corrections. To begin scanning, simply select a pre-configured profile for the Emlid device in the RTK settings of PIX4Dcatch 2.0 Pro and add your NTRIP network credentials.

The solution’s design eliminates the need for additional hardware setup or specialised skills. Anyone on the team can use the kit, ensuring effective data collection as they move around the asset.

Cross-industry workflows
Easy to deploy yet highly accurate, this scanning kit will become an asset for professionals and non-surveyors in a range of applications:

Underground utility documentation and as-builts for companies implementing Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) best practices.
Construction inspection. As-built scans to design plans and expedite approvals.
As-built surveys. A better as-built with less time spent on data collection and drafting.
Volumetric measurements. Effortlessly quantify stockpile volumes.
Crash reconstruction. Perfect for clearing roadways quickly with easy, accurate scans.
-Combined aerial and terrestrial surveys. Complement overhead drone captures with terrestrial PIX4Dcatch 2.0 scans.

The Emlid Reach RX, a pocket-sized GNSS receiver, provides RTK corrected data to PIX4Dcatch.

Hardware: GNSS by Emlid
The Emlid Reach RX works with any NTRIP correction network broadcasting RTCM3. The rover gets a fix solution in under 5 seconds even in challenging conditions and ensures centimetre-accurate positioning.

Apart from providing accuracy to the scanning tasks, it can be used with a survey pole as a powerful and lightweight network RTK rover for data regular survey and stakeout.

Designed for urban areas, the Reach RX has the following specs:

Rated IP68, Reach RX is sealed and protected from water and dust.
The receiver weighs 250 grams and can be carried in your pocket.
An industrial-grade battery handles both high and low temperatures and provides 16 hours of work from a single 3 hour charge.

Besides the Emlid Reach RX, the Emlid Scanning Kit includes additional accessories: the Emlid scanning handle with a leash, five Pix4D Autotags and a carry case.

The kit includes an Emlid Reach RX, scanning handle with a leash, five Pix4D Autotags and a carry case.

Software: Powerful data capture & photogrammetry by PIX4D
The PIX4Dcatch 2.0 app allows you to scan with a compatible smartphone and obtain a digital 3D model in minutes. It comes in different versions to better adapt to your needs.

The PIX4Dcatch 2.0 Standard app allows users to collect data that can be processed into 3D models with your existing Pix4D software licence (PIX4Dcloud, PIX4Dmatic or PIX4D mapper).

A PIX4Dcatch 2.0 Pro subscription is required to enable RTK features, along with automatic target detection (Pix4D Autotags), augmented reality (AR) features, CAD file overlays, on-device volume and distance calculations, and staking capabilities.

Captured results can be viewed and shared with other stakeholders within PIX4Dcloud. PIX4Dcloud enables annotations and measurements from the data.

Try the Scanning kit
Map Gear, the official Emlid dealer in Australia, has already tested the new PIX4Dcatch 2.0 app with the field-proven Reach RX receiver and shared their first impressions.

“This is indeed a game changer for multiple industries. Emlid and Pix4D have created an extremely easy-to-use, yet survey-grade solution for terrestrial scanning in a financially accessible format.”, Alistair Hart, General Manager at Map Gear, says.

“Now, those working in construction, utilities, forensics, or drone mapping can build highly accurate 3D models without the need for third-party surveyors. In addition, the entire workflow, from data capture to final deliverables, has become many times faster.”

Try out the new kit with the Map Gear team at the following events: