PIX4Dcatch

PIX4Dcatch is a mobile app for capturing ground-level scans that become georeferenced 3D models. It is best suited to surveyors, civil engineers and utility professionals who need location-aware field capture. Its focused capture workflow is useful, but processing depends on a separate PIX4Dcloud or PIX4Dmatic license or trial.

Overview

The app records image frames with position and orientation data and gives real-time feedback on scan coverage. It creates georeferenced models using photogrammetry and LiDAR, though the depth-data workflow differs by device: iOS uses LiDAR depth capture, while Android does not use depth data during processing. That makes platform choice relevant for teams relying on depth capture.

Phone GNSS geolocation is expected to be accurate to a few meters. A supported RTK receiver can provide absolute accuracy in the range of a few centimeters, but that requires both compatible hardware and an active NTRIP subscription for the relevant region. PIX4D lists Trimble Catalyst DA2, Leica Zino FLX100 plus, Topcon Hyper CR, Emlid Reach RX and RX2, and Bad Elf Flex and Flex Mini as supported devices.

Capture works offline after login, but an internet connection is needed to log in when starting the app. Uploading to PIX4Dcloud also requires internet access. PIX4Dcloud can process up to 4,000 images per PIX4Dcatch project; PIX4D recommends at least 10 GB of free storage for a maximum-resolution project with more than 1,750 images.

Processing does not happen on the phone. Captured data can be uploaded to PIX4Dcloud or exported to PIX4Dmapper or PIX4Dmatic, and the product page describes overlays for DXF, IFC and SHP designs. This is a field capture app for a larger processing workflow, not a standalone mobile modeling solution.

Key features

• Real-time coverage feedback: Helps field users monitor scan coverage while capturing rather than discovering gaps only after leaving the site.
• Photogrammetry and LiDAR capture: Supports georeferenced modeling, with LiDAR depth capture used on iOS; Android processing does not use depth data.
• RTK positioning: Can bring absolute accuracy into the range of a few centimeters when paired with a supported receiver and an active regional NTRIP subscription. Without that equipment and subscription, phone GNSS is expected to be accurate to a few meters.
• Data handoff and exports: Captures can move to PIX4Dcloud, PIX4Dmapper or PIX4Dmatic. Export formats include OPF, PLY, OBJ, GLTF, WKT and ZIP, with point cloud, orthophoto and GIS data export, measurement tools, ground control points and API access.
• Field connectivity: Login requires internet at app startup, but capture can continue offline after login; cloud upload still needs a connection.

Pricing

The free Discovery license costs nothing. It includes LiDAR 3D capture, GPS georeferencing, point measurement, and the ability to create GCPs and marks. It is a reasonable starting point for basic field capture, but does not include the Pro features or cloud processing bundled in the higher plans.

PIX4Dcatch Pro costs $132.50 a month, billed yearly, excluding taxes. The plan includes RTK support, GPS georeferencing, GCPs and marks, Gaussian Splatting, AR points, volume computation, Autotags and self-paced training. It suits field professionals who need those capture and measurement capabilities, but processing still requires a valid PIX4Dcloud or PIX4Dmatic license or trial.

PIX4Dcatch Pro + PIX4Dcloud Pro costs $506.67 a month, billed yearly, excluding taxes. It includes PIX4Dcatch Pro features plus cloud processing, storage and sharing, Timeline, Auto GCPs, CAD overlay, 2D and volume comparison, 2,500 free credits each year and self-paced training. This is the most complete option for teams that want capture and cloud processing together; it carries a substantially higher recurring cost than Pro alone. Discovery is free, and a 15-day trial is offered.

Platforms

PIX4Dcatch supports Android and iOS capture, with Windows also included among its platforms. The mobile apps support both image-based and LiDAR capture inputs, while depth-data processing is limited to the iOS workflow. Its deployment is desktop, and processing is handled outside the mobile device.

Who it's for

PIX4Dcatch is a strong fit for surveyors, civil engineers and utility professionals who need to capture georeferenced ground scans in the field and can work within PIX4D’s processing workflow. RTK makes it more compelling when centimeter-range absolute accuracy matters and the team can supply compatible receivers and regional NTRIP access. It is a weaker fit for users who want to process models entirely on a phone or need Android depth data in processing.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Real-time coverage feedback can help field teams assess scans as they work; offline capture after login supports sites without continuous connectivity; RTK support offers a path to few-centimeter absolute accuracy.
• Cons: Mobile devices do not process the 3D data, so users need a qualifying PIX4Dcloud or PIX4Dmatic license or trial; RTK depends on additional hardware and an active NTRIP subscription; Android does not use depth data during processing.

Alternatives

For a free photogrammetry workflow, COLMAP is a free option across Linux, macOS, web and Windows; MicMac is a free, open-source photogrammetric suite under the CeCILL-B licence for users who want that licensing model. If you want a free local workflow that can run offline, WebODM is free to install and use and runs locally, rather than relying on PIX4Dcatch’s separate processing license or trial.

Polycam is worth considering for Android, iOS or web access and a free tier with limited space, object and AI captures, GLTF exports and public link sharing. RealityScan is another freemium option for Android, iOS, Linux and Windows. KIRI Engine offers a free Basic plan with up to 150 photos per scan, a 2 GB maximum per scan, unlimited scans and free exports. OpenReco is a free desktop option for Linux, macOS and Windows with no account or subscription. 3DF Zephyr has a free Windows plan for personal use, capped at 50 photos or video frames with a single GPU and limited exports and editing.

Browse more options in Photogrammetry Software or AI 3D Scanning Software.

Verdict

Choose PIX4Dcatch if your field work needs scan coverage feedback, georeferenced capture and, when equipped for it, RTK positioning; the main advantage is tying mobile capture to a professional field workflow. Look elsewhere if you need mobile processing, want Android depth data in processing, or cannot justify the separate processing license and RTK equipment and subscription costs.