I’ve been using Mapper to process data obtained with Catch on an iPhone 12 Pro. A co-worker just told me that Mapper cannot take advantage of the LiDAR sensor and we should be using Matic. But It seems to me that the models made with Mapper are just fine. The models are much better when made from a LiDAR-enabled phone as compared to a non-LiDAR enabled phone. What does Matic bring to the table that Mapper does not? Are point clouds made with Catch and Mapper less accurate than with Matic?
Hi santis.lon.d,
Welcome to the community!
It is absolutely fine to process PIX4Dcatch projects using PIX4Dmapper. Indeed, PIX4Dmapper cannot process the LiDAR data. If your projects are processing fine without, there is nothing wrong with that, and would be expected in projects/subject matter containing plenty of texture.
Matic does offer several things for consideration from PIX4Dmapper:
- PIX4Dcatch specific processing template.
- Can use depth maps generated by PIX4Dcatch to improve calibration.
- Noise filter.
- Sky filter.
- Ability to process the LiDAR depth data from compatible iPhones/iPads.
- Ability to process multiple projects together.
Are point clouds made with Catch and Mapper less accurate than with Matic?
In the majority of cases the answer is no. The process of creating 3D maps/models from images (photogrammetry) is rather robust and very accurate. The LiDAR depth data can be helpful in adding points/density to regions where there is less texture for photogrammetry to work with. The additional depth data can also be used to help calibrate cameras.
I hope this information is helpful, I would be curious to see if any others have an opinion on this subject as it applies to their workflows and subject matter.
Regards,
Jon