Pix4D Matic has a Mac OS photogrammetry software. With the release of Pix4d Matic 1.64.0 and 1.65.0 which have Native ARM support for Apple Silicon I wanted to test how these updates impact processing times compared to the last stable version 1.63.0. This test is to see if the new features translate into real world performance gains on Mac OS.

Pix4D Matic and Professional Drone Mapping Services

In the fast pace of drone mapping services having the right tools is key. At Holland Productions we use Pix4d Matic to deliver precise and accurate drone mapping solutions to our clients. Whether you need 3D mapping with a drone or professional drone mapping services for construction projects this software has become part of our toolbox.

As drone professionals we know the importance of choosing the right software for commercial drone services. Pix4d Matic is great at processing large datasets fast, it’s perfect for projects that require photogrammetric data from drones. This is especially important in sectors like construction and environmental monitoring where timely and cost effective drone mapping solutions are key.

Our commercial drone services are also very accurate, partly because of the seamless integration with ground control points. Using GCPs ensures our maps and models are not only detailed but also aligned with real world coordinates, that’s the accuracy you need for complex projects. If you need drone services with fast turnaround times Pix4d Matic helps us to deliver that.

Processing Time in Photogrammetry and Drone Mapping Services

Processing time is key in drone mapping services especially when clients need results fast. With Pix4d Matic we can deliver drone mapping services with fast turnaround times so our clients can make decisions based on the most accurate data.

For businesses looking for cost effective drone mapping solutions Pix4d Matic allows us to deliver high quality results without the long wait times associated with large scale photogrammetry projects. Whether it’s professional drone mapping services for construction projects or data from drones for environmental monitoring, faster processing means better service for our clients.

We also have experience as drone professionals providing commercial drone services across various industries. By using Pix4d Matic we can do everything from drone photography services for marketing to full drone mapping services for urban planning. This versatility allows us to service our clients no matter the size or complexity of their projects.

New Feature: Native ARM Support in Pix4d Matic 1.64.0

Pix4d Matic preview 1.64.0 introduced Native ARM support, the software is optimized for Apple’s M-series chips which should speed up processing times a lot.

1.65.0 is also in preview, but for those who need stability in their drone mapping services 1.63.0 is the latest stable release, that’s what we use for professional use

In this blog we will test these versions on our Mac Studio which is our photo and video editing machine, has not been used for any photogrammetry processing in Matic before due to the long processing times. This test will help us to see if we can use Mac photogrammetry software instead of our windows based photogrammetry rigs.

Test Setup

To test Pix4d Matic across different versions I used the following Mac OS hardware and software:

Hardware

CPU: Apple M1 Ultra, 1 CPU, 20 threads
RAM: 64 GB
GPU: Apple M1 Ultra (Driver: 4.1 Metal - 88.1)
Operating System: macOS 14.5
Storage: The images and the Pix4d Matic project folder was stored on the internal hard drive for optimal data access speed.

Dataset

I used the same dataset for all tests:

Number of Images: 630
Resolution: 8192x5460
Total Data Size: 11.9GB (Images)
Drone for Photogrammetry: (DJI_ZenmuseP1_24.0)

Consistent Testing Conditions

To ensure the tests were fair and consistent across all software versions (1.63.0, 1.64.0, 1.65.0) I did the following:

Same Hardware: All tests were done on the same Mac with no changes to the hardware.
Same Dataset: Same dataset was used for each test run.
Same Processing Template: Same processing template and settings were used for each test. Processing template settings below:
Clean Slate: The Mac was rebooted before each test to clear memory and no other applications were running.
Same Storage: Both images and Pix4d Matic project folder was stored on the internal hard drive for consistent data access speed.

This should give us a good basis to compare the processing times and performance across the different versions of Pix4d Matic.

Processing Settings:

Calibration:

Template: Map
Pipeline: Trusted location and
Image scale: 1/1
Internals confidence: Low
Max extracted keypoints:
Automatic
Reoptimized: No
Use automatic ITPs: Disabled

Dense point cloud

Algorithm: Hardware
accelerated
Image scale: 1/2
Density: Optimal
Min number of matches: 3
Multiscale: Enabled
Noise filter: Disabled
Sky filter: Disabled
Mask-aware: Disabled

Mesh

Input point cloud: Dense
Template: Aerial
Texture size: 8192x8192
Deghosting: Weak
Decimation: Limit triangle count
Maximum triangle count: 1000000
Plane-aware: Disabled
Sky mask: Disabled
Smoothing: Enabled
Mask-aware: Disabled
Interior improvement: Disabled

DSM

Input point cloud: Dense
Interpolation: Enabled
Resolution: 1.5 cm/px
Surface smoothing: 12 px

Orthomosaic

Resolution: 1.5 cm/px
Algorithm: Hardware
accelerated
Oblique: Disabled
Deghosting: Disabled
Processing Time Tests
Total Processing Time (All 5 Processing Steps):

Calibration Step:

Dense point cloud:

Mesh:

DSM:

Orthomosaic:

Results

Time differences between versions

The tests showed big differences in processing time for each step for each version of Pix4d Matic. Here’s the breakdown:

Calibration:
1.63.0: 43:14
1.64.0: 29:19
1.65.0: 28:41
Improvement: 1.64.0 is 32.2% faster than 1.63.0, 1.65.0 is 2.2% faster than 1.64.0
Dense Point Cloud:
1.63.0: 1:02:38
1.64.0: 1:10:27
1.65.0: 1:09:11
Note: This step took longer in 1.64.0 and 1.65.0 than in 1.63.0, 12.5% longer in 1.64.0 and a little faster in 1.65.0 but overall slower.
Mesh
1.63.0: 29:41
1.64.0: 25:16
1.65.0: 16:54
Improvement: Big improvement, 1.64.0 is 14.8% faster than 1.63.0, 1.65.0 is 33.1% faster than 1.64.0
DSM:
1.63.0: 6:18
1.64.0: 4:51
1.65.0: 4:52
Improvement: 1.64.0 is 23% faster than 1.63.0, 1.65.0 is the same.
Orthomosaic:
1.63.0: 2:25
1.64.0: 1:54
1.65.0: 1:52
Improvement: 21.5% faster in 1.64.0 than 1.63.0, 1.65.0 is a little faster.

Total Processing Times

The sum of all this is:

1.63.0: 2:24:16
1.64.0: 2:11:47
1.65.0: 2:01:30

Big difference.

1.64.0 is 9.1% faster than 1.63.0
1.65.0 is 7.8% faster than 1.64.0, 15.8% than 1.63.0

Native ARM Support in 1.64.0

The Native ARM support in 1.64.0 brought big performance gains, especially in calibration and mesh. Running Pix4d Matic on the Apple M1 Ultra natively was a big efficiency boost, most steps were faster.

Global Performance Improvement from 1.63.0 to 1.65.0

From 1.63.0 to 1.65.0 the changes in Pix4d Matic are clear, total processing time is 15.9% faster and mesh processing is 40% faster. These are great for professionals in drone mapping services who need fast processing.

Anomalies or Unexpected Results

Most steps are faster, but Dense Point Cloud is slower in the newer versions. This might be a sign that the ARM optimizations need to be fine tuned for this specific task. But overall the speed and efficiency gain is big, so the newer versions, especially 1.65.0 are great for Apple Silicon Macs.

Conclusion

The tests on Pix4d Matic 1.63.0, 1.64.0 and 1.65.0 show that updating to the newer versions is a good idea, especially for Apple Silicon users. The Native ARM support in 1.64.0 brought big total processing time reduction, 9.1% faster than 1.63.0. 1.65.0 is 7.8% faster than 1.64.0, so overall 15.9% faster than 1.63.0.

For professionals in drone mapping services, this means faster project turnaround and more capacity to handle more complex tasks. Despite the Dense Point Cloud step is a little slower, the overall gain is big, so the latest versions, especially 1.65.0 is a good update.

Anyway, 1.63.0 or preview, Pix4d Matic is a must have for drone mapping.

Pix4D Matic Processing Time Comparison on Mac OS: Versions 1.63.0, 1.64.0, and 1.65.0