Software Comparison

PIX4D vs Agisoft Metashape: Photogrammetry Software Comparison

An expert comparison to help you choose the right equipment for your project.

Feature	PIX4D	Agisoft Metashape
Accuracy	1-2cm with GCPs	2-5cm typical (GCP dependent)
Processing	Desktop + Cloud options	Desktop only
Output Formats	LAS, LAZ, OBJ, GeoTIFF, DXF	OBJ, PLY, TIFF, DXF, LAS
GCP Support	Full RTK/PPK integration	Manual marker placement
CAD Integration	AutoCAD, Civil 3D native	Export-based (not native)
Product Suite	Mapper, Survey, Inspect, Matic	Single application
Licensing	Perpetual or subscription	Perpetual only
Support	Enterprise-grade	Community + paid options
Service Pricing	$350/month or $4,990 perpetual (PIX4Dmapper)	$179 Standard / $3,499 Professional (perpetual)

Option A PIX4D

PIX4D

Professional Survey-Grade Photogrammetry Suite

PIX4D is a professional photogrammetry software suite trusted by surveyors, engineers, and mapping professionals worldwide. With dedicated products for mapping (PIX4Dmapper), surveying (PIX4Dsurvey), and inspection (PIX4Dinspect), it delivers survey-grade accuracy with comprehensive GCP workflows and direct CAD/GIS integration.

Pros

Survey-grade accuracy (1-2cm with GCPs)
Comprehensive GCP and RTK/PPK workflows
Direct CAD/GIS export for engineering
Dedicated modules for different applications
Strong technical support and training
Industry standard for professional surveying

Cons

Higher cost than Agisoft ($350/month or $4,990 perpetual)
Steeper learning curve for full features
Desktop processing requires powerful hardware
Multiple products needed for full workflow

Best For

Professional surveyingEngineering projectsConstruction monitoringMining volumetrics

Option B Agisoft

Agisoft Metashape

Versatile Research-Grade Photogrammetry

Agisoft Metashape is a versatile photogrammetry solution popular in research, archaeology, cultural heritage, and budget-conscious mapping operations. Known for excellent mesh generation, texture quality, and flexible Python scripting for automation. Offers exceptional value with perpetual licensing.

Pros

Excellent value ($179 Standard, $3,499 Pro)
Superior mesh and texture generation
Python scripting for automation
Popular in research and archaeology
Perpetual license (no ongoing fees)
Handles diverse imagery types well

Cons

Manual GCP workflow (less streamlined)
No native CAD integration
Desktop processing only (no cloud option)
Smaller ecosystem and support network
Less optimized for large survey projects

Best For

Research projectsCultural heritageArchaeologyBudget-conscious operations

Our Expert Verdict

Depends on Your Needs

PIX4D excels for professional surveying and engineering requiring certified accuracy, GCP workflows, and CAD integration. Agisoft Metashape offers exceptional value for research, heritage documentation, and projects where mesh quality matters more than survey certification.

Choose PIX4D if...

Choose PIX4D for professional surveying, engineering deliverables, construction monitoring, and projects requiring certified accuracy with direct CAD/GIS integration.

Choose Agisoft Metashape if...

Choose Agisoft Metashape for research projects, cultural heritage, archaeology, and budget-conscious operations where perpetual licensing and mesh quality are priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more accurate, PIX4D or Agisoft?

Both can achieve similar accuracy with proper ground control. PIX4D has more streamlined RTK/PPK workflows designed for survey-grade results. Agisoft requires more manual setup but can match accuracy with careful technique.

Why is PIX4D more expensive?

PIX4D is priced for professional surveying firms with dedicated support, training, certifications, and continuous development. Agisoft targets a broader market including researchers and hobbyists.

Can Agisoft do professional survey work?

Yes, many professionals use Agisoft successfully. However, PIX4D offers more streamlined survey workflows, better GCP tools, and direct CAD integration that save time on large projects.

Which has better 3D mesh output?

Agisoft Metashape is widely regarded as producing superior mesh geometry and textures, making it preferred for visualization, heritage, and 3D printing applications.

Does PIX4D work offline?

PIX4Dmapper works fully offline (desktop). PIX4D Cloud requires internet. Agisoft Metashape is desktop-only and works completely offline.

Which does THE FUTURE 3D use?

We use PIX4D for all survey-grade deliverables due to its GCP workflows and CAD integration. We appreciate Agisoft for specialized heritage and research projects where mesh quality is paramount.

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