What is point cloud used for?

As the output of 3D scanning processes, point clouds are used for many purposes, including to create 3D CAD models for manufactured parts, for metrology and quality inspection, and for a multitude of visualization, animation, rendering and mass customization applications.

How are point clouds made?

Point clouds are created by performing a scan of an object or structure. Scans are completed by using either a laser scanner or through a process called photogrammetry.

What is a point cloud scan?

The point cloud is the output of the 3D scanning process, it is the set of data points in the scanned space. Taken together, they represent the site scanned, containing every visible detail there is to be known. Data acquisition of such point clouds are obtained from LIDAR (Light Detection & Ranging) scanners.

What is point cloud format?

Most point cloud formats fall under two file types: ASCII and binary. As you may have guessed, binary file formats store information in binary code. ASCII file formats are still rooted in binary, but they use text to convey information.

How is point cloud data stored?

Point clouds are most commonly generated using 3D laser scanners and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology and techniques. Here, each point represents a single laser scan measurement. These scans are then stitched together, creating a complete capture of a scene, using a process called ‘registration’.

What is point cloud data in CAD?

A point cloud is a large collection of points acquired by 3D laser scanners or other technologies to create 3D representations of existing structures. Point cloud files support the design process by providing real-world context where you can recreate the referenced objects or insert additional models.

How do I capture a point cloud?

There are two primary tools you can use to capture a point cloud: laser scanners and photogrammetry.

1. Laser scanners. A laser scanner is a survey-grade system that includes a number of different sensors and technologies.
2. Photogrammetry. This is more a methodology than a specific type of tool.

How do I create a point cloud file?

To Create Point Cloud Objects

1. In Toolspace, on the Prospector tab, right-click Point Cloud Create Point Cloud.
2. On the Information page of the Create Point Cloud wizard, enter the required information about the new point cloud object.

How do I get point cloud?

The key factor in acquiring point cloud data is the access/visibility to scanned surfaces. In most cases, point clouds are obtained by visible access to real objects. This means that simply to cover all scanning positions takes time. Aligning laser scans taken from all these scanning positions can also be a problem.

How many points is a point cloud?

2. Point Cloud and Mesh > Point Cloud….How many Points are generated during step 2. Point Cloud and Mesh?

Number of images	Number of points	LAS file size
250	20 – 50 million	0.3 – 1.0 GB
500	40 – 60 million	1.2 – 1.9 GB
1000	80 – 120 million	2.5 – 3.8 GB

How do I open a point cloud?

Insert a Point Cloud File

1. Open the Revit project.
2. Click Insert tab Link panel (Point Cloud).
3. Specify the file or files to link, as follows: For Look in, navigate to the location of the file(s).
4. For Positioning, select:
5. Click Open.
6. For raw format files, you are prompted to index the data:

How do you make a 3D model from point cloud?

How to Create a 3D CAD Model Using Raw Point Cloud Data

1. Step 1: Source hardware that can handle your point cloud dataset.
2. Step 2: Build your foundation with solid point cloud registration.
3. Step 3: Import registered point cloud data into CAD.
4. Bringing It All Together.