Question 1

What is NIOTANTEK and which product should I choose?

Accepted Answer

NIOTANTEK is Arrow4D's software brand, with two cloud products. Choose NioMap for land and buildings: it processes drone or smartphone surveys to view maps, measure and compare. Choose NioBook for objects: it records them with 3D models, relates their transformations and publishes the chosen ones in an online catalog.

Question 2

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Create a free account: it includes 1 hour of processing and up to 10 GB of storage. To learn, see the tutorials or try it with sample data. For usage conditions or to discuss your data, talk to the team.

Question 3

What does the free account include?

Accepted Answer

1 hour of processing to try it, with 10 GB of storage in NioMap and 1 GB in NioBook. NioPilot and the MapAi add-on are available on paid plans. For prices and conditions, talk to the team.

Question 4

Do I need to install software?

Accepted Answer

Maps, models and records are viewed in the browser. Processing runs in the cloud. You can export results or use integrations to continue in other applications.

Question 5

Can I use both products with the same account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The same account gives access to NioMap and NioBook.

Question 6

Where is the platform built and hosted?

Accepted Answer

NIOTANTEK is built in the European Union, in Portugal. The platform is hosted on servers in the European Union, the United States and Canada. For questions about a project's data, talk to the team.

Question 7

Where do I learn to use NioMap and NioBook?

Accepted Answer

In the Community: step-by-step guides for each product, sample data to download and try, and a real survey to explore in the browser.

Question 8

Where can I discuss pricing and terms?

Accepted Answer

Contact the team with the product, data type and intended use. This lets us assess your request without assuming a plan or configuration.

Question 9

What data can I add to NioMap?

Accepted Answer

Photos taken with a drone or a smartphone, for photogrammetric processing, or results already processed, such as orthophotos and elevation models. The viewer also accepts vector data, rasters and map services. See surveys.

Question 10

Can I use photos taken with my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NioMap processes photos from an iPhone or any other smartphone, just like drone photos. Take sharp photos with good overlap from several angles. For large areas or views from above, a drone is still the most practical.

Question 11

Do I have to use a specific drone?

Accepted Answer

NioMap does not require a specific model, and it also accepts smartphone photos. A multirotor suits small or medium areas and sites with obstacles, and a fixed-wing drone covers large areas in fewer flights. The choice should also consider the detail needed, the image overlap and the positioning. No drone? On paid plans, hire the capture on NioPilot.

Question 12

Do I need a drone with RTK?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the accuracy you need. With ground control points or an RTK system, accuracy reaches up to 5 cm. RTK corrects the coordinates of each photo during the flight, and PPK applies the corrections after the flight when there is no stable link. With the drone's GPS alone, results are georeferenced, with lower accuracy.

Question 13

How should I plan the flight?

Accepted Answer

Define the area, the resolution you need and the photo overlap. Flying lower gives more detail but takes more images, and wind, light and vegetation all affect the capture.

Question 14

How long does processing take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the data and job settings. The platform lets you track processing status. To assess a time-sensitive job, tell the team the survey size and required outputs.

Question 15

What results can I get?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the data and job settings, you can generate orthophotos, elevation models, contours, point clouds and 3D models. Results can be viewed in the browser and downloaded in the selected formats.

Question 16

What determines measurement accuracy?

Accepted Answer

The quality of the capture, the positioning, the georeferencing, the resolution and the measuring method. With ground control points or RTK, accuracy reaches up to 5 cm; with the drone's GPS alone it is lower. Processing settings do not replace validating the survey.

Question 17

What can I measure on the map?

Accepted Answer

Coordinates and elevations, distances, the flat area and the real (3D) area with the perimeter, volumes by zone against a plane, a base level or the design surface, with the cut-and-fill map, and profiles along a line. Measurements that depend on elevation need a suitable model. Try it in view and measure.

Question 18

What can I view in 3D?

Accepted Answer

You can open models and point clouds, rotate and zoom the view, and use section planes. The model tree lets you show, hide or isolate elements when they are part of its structure. Try it under see and measure.

Question 19

Can I compare surveys from different dates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Organize surveys of the same site by date, switch between survey dates and compare results. Surface comparison requires compatible data. See survey comparison.

Question 20

Can I automate the processing of repeat surveys?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with MapAi, a paid add-on. Each new survey of the same site is processed automatically with the parameters already set, from data upload to the final results. Monitoring the site becomes almost automatic.

Question 21

I have no drone or team. Can I use NioMap?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With NioPilot, inside the NIOTANTEK app, you choose the certified pilot, the drone and the sensor, define the area and the results and follow the request at every step, until the data reaches your NioMap account. NioPilot is available on paid NioMap plans; the free account does not include NioPilot. If you have questions, talk to the team.

Question 22

Is NioPilot included in the free account?

Accepted Answer

No. NioPilot is a NioMap add-on, available on paid plans. The free account is for trying processing with your own photos. To find the right plan, talk to the team.

Question 23

How do I specify the survey area?

Accepted Answer

Draw the boundaries on the map or upload a file with the area. This sets exactly where the pilot needs to capture.

Question 24

Can I choose the results I need?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You choose the results and processing options in the request. When the pilot delivers the data, NioMap processes it with those options, without you having to set up the job again.

Question 25

How do I confirm the service?

Accepted Answer

In the app you choose the pilot, the drone and the sensor and confirm the request. You only pay for the service you confirm, and you follow each step until the data reaches your account.

Question 26

Can I request periodic surveys?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the request you can choose capture monthly, quarterly, every six months or yearly. Each capture is a separate service, confirmed and paid individually.

Question 27

What if I don't know which survey type to choose?

Accepted Answer

Talk to the team. Tell us what you want to measure or monitor and we will help you choose the right survey and results.

Question 28

What do I need to become a NioPilot pilot?

Accepted Answer

A valid drone pilot certification, for example A2 or a standard scenario (STS), civil liability insurance and the NioPilot initial training. You also need your own drone and sensors, listed when you sign up, and your own transport to reach the site.

Question 29

Does joining the NioPilot network cost anything?

Accepted Answer

No. Joining is free. Your account becomes active after your details are checked and you complete the initial training.

Question 30

Who sets the price of the jobs?

Accepted Answer

The platform. The price varies with the flight licences, professional experience, the drone and sensors, the pilot's rating and availability.

Question 31

When am I paid for a job?

Accepted Answer

15 days after you submit the invoice for the job.

Question 32

How are pilots approved?

Accepted Answer

The team checks every detail: licences, insurance, drone and sensors. Once approved, you are available in the NioPilot pilot network and start receiving requests. If you have questions, talk to the team.

Question 33

Which tools does NioMap integrate with?

Accepted Answer

With nine programs: GIS such as QGIS and ArcGIS Pro, CAD such as AutoCAD, ZWCAD and Aplitop MDT, BIM such as Revit, ArchiCAD and ARCHLINE.XP, and Blender for 3D. The connection is via API, WMTS or IFC, depending on the program. See sharing and integrations.

Question 34

Can I view the results in my GIS software?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Through a WMTS service you can view the project's orthophotos, elevation models, hillshade and slope maps in QGIS or ArcGIS Pro.

Question 35

Can I use the maps in CAD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Send orthophotos, contour lines and measurements via API to AutoCAD, or open the project's WMTS service in ZWCAD or Aplitop MDT and use the maps to support technical drawing, surveying and terrain representation.

Question 36

Can I take the 3D model into BIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The 3D model of the site goes out as IFC and can be used in Revit, ArchiCAD or ARCHLINE.XP to coordinate the survey with the project's buildings and infrastructure.

Question 37

Can I take the 3D model into Blender?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The survey's 3D model goes to Blender via API, for visualization and presentation.

Question 38

Does NioMap have an API?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a REST API to connect external applications to NioMap data. Each application has its own key, which you can activate, deactivate or set to expire on a given date.

Question 39

Can I show the map on another page?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Paste the code (iframe) into your company's website and a job's map and 3D model appear there, ready to explore. See sharing and integrations.

Question 40

Which formats does the map viewer support?

Accepted Answer

It imports CSV, GeoPackage, SHP, GeoTIFF and WMS and WMTS services. It exports CSV, KML, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, image and PDF, depending on the tool. For any other format, check compatibility with the team.

Question 41

What kind of objects is NioBook for?

Accepted Answer

Natural stone, wood and furniture, ceramics and craft, custom parts, industrial molds and components, antiques and art, showrooms and resale, and textiles and upholstery. See the application areas.

Question 42

My objects are not in those areas. Can I use NioBook?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if each object needs its own identity, photographs, documents or a 3D model. The areas listed are examples, not a limit. Talk to the team and describe the kind of object.

Question 43

What can a record contain?

Accepted Answer

Identification, photographs, 3D model, attributes, dimensions, weight, origin, documents and quantity. The fields used depend on the object. See record and 3D.

Question 44

How do I add a 3D model?

Accepted Answer

You can import an existing model or upload photos to generate it in NioBook. Photos from a camera, iPhone or iPad work, with good coverage of the object from several angles. See the step-by-step guide.

Question 45

Are there objects that do not come out well in 3D?

Accepted Answer

Transparent, mirrored or very shiny objects are hard to reconstruct from photographs. In those cases you can import a 3D model created in another tool and use NioBook in the same way.

Question 46

What are phases for? Do I have to use them?

Accepted Answer

They represent where objects come from and how they are transformed: for example, a block recorded in one phase can give rise to several pieces in the next. They are optional: if you do not need to follow transformations, record the objects on their own.

Question 47

Can I manage inventory and stock?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Organize objects in a searchable list, record quantities and update availability and publication status. See inventory and phases.

Question 48

Do I have to publish every object?

Accepted Answer

No. The inventory stays internal and you choose one by one what to make available in the catalog.

Question 49

How do I share the catalog?

Accepted Answer

Through a link, which you can send by email, WhatsApp or any other channel.

Question 50

Which sectors is NioMap used in?

Accepted Answer

Construction, agriculture, landfills, archaeology and heritage, mines and quarries, real estate and geological prospecting. In each sector you can see what NioMap solves in that work and the solutions it uses.

Question 51

My sector is not listed. Can NioMap work for me?

Accepted Answer

Very likely. The solutions do not depend on the sector but on what you need to measure, compare or share. Search for what you need in sectors and solutions or talk to the team.

Question 52

How do I find the solution to my problem?

Accepted Answer

On the sectors and solutions page, type what you need to do, such as calculating volumes or comparing dates. You can also start from your sector and follow the solution that describes it.

Question 53

Does the same solution work across sectors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Calculating volumes works for a quarry, a landfill and a construction site. Each solution is explained once, on its own page, and appears in every sector where it is useful.

Question 54

Where do I log in or create an account?

Accepted Answer

Use the sign-in page to access the platform or the registration page to create a free account. The Sign in and Create free account buttons are also in the menu on every page.

Question 55

I need help with my account. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Use the support area available in the NIOTANTEK platform. If you cannot log in, write to us through the contact form, choosing Other inquiry, and give the account email. Never send your password.

Question 56

Is my data made public?

Accepted Answer

A NioMap job is not public by default. You can keep it private or share it with specific users or with your company. In NioBook, you choose which objects and information you publish in the catalog.

Question 57

Where can I discuss security and data retention requirements?

Accepted Answer

Read the privacy policy and terms. For specific hosting, retention or access requirements, contact the team before uploading data.

Question 58

Can I request a demo?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the contact form, choose Request a demo and the product you are interested in, or Demo with my own data to see it on one of your surveys. The team shows how it would work with your type of data and work.

Question 59

What should I include in the contact form?

Accepted Answer

Choose the subject and, for a demo or sales inquiry, the product. In the message, describe your goal, the kind of data and any deadline. You will receive an email confirming it was sent.

Question 60

What are the team's hours?

Accepted Answer

Monday to Friday, 8:30–13:00 and 14:00–17:30 (Portugal time). You can write to us at any time through the contact form or at sales@niotantek.com.

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