Pix4D
Swiss photogrammetry software for drone and terrestrial mapping, on the desktop and in the cloud
Quick Overview
| Company | Pix4D SA |
|---|---|
| Category | Drone Mapping Software |
| Headquarters | Prilly, Switzerland |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Switzerland |
| Data Location | not stated on the pages we read |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No (desktop software runs on your own machine) |
| Main Features | PIX4Dmatic, PIX4Dmapper, PIX4Dfields, PIX4Dreact, PIX4Dcloud, PIX4Dcatch with RTK and LiDAR, PIX4Dengine SDK |
| Pricing | Desktop plans listed as starting from USD 55, 111, 125 and 333 per month; free 15-day plan without credit card |
| Best For | Surveyors and mappers who want processing control on their own computer |
| Replaces | DroneDeploy |
Detailed Review
Pix4D SA is a Swiss joint-stock company registered under number CHE 207.009.701 with its seat at Route de Renens 24 in Prilly. Its general terms are governed by Swiss law, with the courts of Lausanne as venue.
The Pix4D range splits by job. PIX4Dmatic and PIX4Dmapper process drone and terrestrial images on a desktop, PIX4Dfields targets agriculture, PIX4Dreact produces quick 2D maps for emergency work, and PIX4Dcloud is the online platform.
Desktop processing and the cloud platform
The Pix4D pricing page describes its desktop tools as keeping control of each processing step on your own machine. PIX4Dmapper is described as photogrammetry software for orthomosaics, point clouds, 2D maps and 3D models.
PIX4Dcloud is described as an online platform for ground and drone mapping, progress tracking and site documentation, and the home page announces Gaussian splatting there.
Terrestrial capture with PIX4Dcatch
PIX4Dcatch is a capture application that Pix4D pairs with RTK receivers and LiDAR for terrestrial 3D scanning. The pricing page notes that PIX4Dcatch is only compatible with iOS.
Scanning kits with GNSS receivers from Bad Elf, Topcon, Trimble and Emlid are listed, with prices on request.
Pix4D as a European alternative to DroneDeploy
Pix4D sells separate products where DroneDeploy sells one subscription platform with flight, robotics and inspection apps. The contract is with a Swiss company and governed by Swiss law, while the DroneDeploy Master Services Agreement is a US contract.
Pix4D does not show a flight app on the pages we read, so many teams pair it with a separate planning tool.
Limitations to Consider
Prices are quoted in USD on the pricing page, and the four starting prices are not matched to products in the text we read. Hosting location for PIX4Dcloud is not stated, and the owner of Pix4D is not named on the pages we read. DroneDeploy is stronger in a single flight, capture and reporting app. Pair Pix4D with UgCS or Drone Harmony for flight planning.
Who Should Use Pix4D
Survey firms and mappers who process on their own workstations and want a Swiss supplier with a free 15-day trial.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Swiss entity with registration number and address in its terms
- Separate products for mapping, agriculture, emergency maps and cloud
- Desktop processing under the user's own control
- Free 15-day plan without a credit card
- Terrestrial scanning with RTK and LiDAR through PIX4Dcatch
Cons
- Prices shown in USD and not matched to products
- PIX4Dcatch works on iOS only
- Cloud hosting location not stated
- No flight planning app on the pages we read
Alternatives to Pix4D
Other European drone mapping software worth comparing before you decide:
See all European drone mapping software or compare them directly against DroneDeploy on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes for mapping and processing. Pix4D SA is a Swiss company and its terms are governed by Swiss law. It does not replace DroneDeploy's flight, robotics and inspection apps in one product.
The pricing page lists desktop plans starting from USD 55, 111, 125 and 333 per month depending on the product, and a free 15-day plan. Scanning kits are priced on request.
The Pix4D general terms name Pix4D SA, a Swiss joint-stock company with its seat at Route de Renens 24, 1008 Prilly, Switzerland.