You Just Captured A 3D Point Cloud, Now What? 

Mobile 3D mapping platforms like Nexys (right) have made capturing LiDAR point clouds  easier and faster than ever, but it still takes a little time and effort to get everything processed and ready to use. 

In order to do that, you need to import the point cloud into the right software. Unfortunately, with the expansive popularity of SLAM-capture platforms there are tons of software options to choose from and it can be challenging to know which path is the right one for your surveying workflow. 

To help you get started, we've compiled a collection of some of the most widely used point cloud software and broken down the best uses for each. A great starting point for new surveyors unsure which software option is best for your application.

Choosing The Right Software

There are a multitude of software platforms that can manipulate and analyze point clouds, and most of these choices are use-case specific. For example, some are designed specifically to create construction plans from your point cloud. While some software tools are designed to create specific 3D renderings from the point cloud. You want to choose the software option that best fits your objective. In some cases, the features of the software will overlap with other tools, so one tool may be able to accomplish a variety of tasks.

Software that can import point clouds can also differ in how they operate. For example, some software is cloud-only, and you upload your point cloud to start working on it from any device. Other software applications run locally on your computer. Finally, some run locally, but on specialized servers, such as certain Autodesk CAD applications.

Point cloud post-processing through ExynView, export into LAS, PLY, XYZ, or e57 format

To help you decide which software option is best, we’ll first cover the most common uses for a point cloud and suggest a few of the most popular software options for that use case.

Measurement and Analysis Applications

One of the most common uses for a processed point cloud captured by Nexys is to easily extract precise measurements, such as the distance between two points or volumetric measurements for mining cavities or other internal structures. 

Precision Measurement Tools

To quickly take precise measurements within a point cloud, you’ll need to import the point cloud into specific software. While most 3D software tools offer this functionality, we’ve included some popular options below.

Pricing key:

Software options: CloudCompare (free), GOM Inspect ($-$$), 3DReshaper ($$$), Leica Cyclone ($$$$), Global Mapper Pro ($$$)

Once imported into one of these options, you can take a variety of measurements for architectural, engineering, mining, or other uses.

• Distance measurements: Measure between any two points with millimeter accuracy
• Cross-sectional analysis: Slicing through your point cloud at any angle for deeper insights
• Surface area calculations: This is helpful for complex geometric structures like curved walls or irregular terrain
• Volume measurements: This is useful for measuring stockpiles, excavations, or interior cavities in mines
• Diameter and circumference measurements: Building maintenance can use point clouds to measure pipes, tanks, and cylindrical structures without tedious manual techniques.

Deviation Analysis and Quality Control

Because of the precise measurements possible with a point cloud, they are often used to compare structures to find small changes that would otherwise be very difficult to detect through manual inspection. This is common in construction and is used before or after work is completed. The two versions can then be compared.

Software options: GOM Inspect ($-$$), PolyWorks Inspector ($$$$), Geomagic Control X ($$-$$$), VXinspect ($$)

• Compare point clouds to CAD models: Using color-coded deviation maps, you can see any deviations from the original plans during construction.
• Track construction progress: Using daily or weekly scans, you can quickly measure progress to keep a project on schedule.
• Identify settlement or structural movement: This is useful when you have early scans archived that you can use for comparison.
• Generate compliance reports: Useful for showing conformance to design tolerances and passing inspections.
• Create inspection documentation: Streamline your compliance workflow with automatically generated reports.

Visualization and Collaboration Tools

Point clouds can also be transformed into 3D renderings used for demonstration or marketing purposes.

Interactive 3D Viewers

Sometimes, point clouds are needed before construction planning begins. This can be to create virtual environments that people can examine or to share potential changes to an existing project with city planners and stakeholders.

Whether it’s for marketing purposes or approval, visualization is one of the key areas where you can use your captured point cloud.

Software options: Autodesk ReCap Pro ($$$), Stitch3D ($-$$), Bentley Navigator ($$$), CloudCompare (free), Leica TrueView ($-$$), Potree ($)

• Create fly-through animations: Useful for client presentations or progress reports, as you move through different phases of a project.
• Generate 360-degree panoramic views: Used to show a specific area of an environment from a unique perspective.
• Develop interactive web viewers: Output various files in common consumer formats for sharing online or social media.
• Produce high-quality renderings: These are helpful for bidding or getting approvals without the need for more expensive methods.
• Create virtual reality experiences: As augmented reality and virtual reality become more common, software can output in formats necessary to build these experiences from point cloud data.

Documentation and Reporting

Point cloud data alone doesn’t offer much value to clients, contractors, or stakeholders who can't interpret what it all means. Documentation and reporting tools allow you to turn technical point cloud data into visual reports that communicate key details to any audience, regardless of their technical background.

Software options: Leica TruView ($-$$), FARO WebShare ($$-$$$), Autodesk ReCap Pro ($$$), Trimble Connect ($-$$)

• Embed measurements and annotations: Place critical data directly into 3D models for easy viewing by non-technical audiences.
• Create interactive reports:  Documentation tools allow you to combine 2D photos, 3D data, and traditional drawings.
• Generate automated documentation: Reduce tedious tasks with standardized templates designed for your industry or company.
• Develop collaboration platforms: Use industry-standard platforms where multiple team members can review and comment on files in real time.

Design and Modeling Applications

Point clouds are also used for developing topographic maps, modeling terrain, or creating precise CAD drawings. These applications turn point cloud data into actionable design assets that streamline complex workflows covering large areas.

Terrain and Surface Modeling

Many construction or surveying projects require clean geometric models for planning, design, and analysis. Terrain and surface modeling applications transform your point cloud data into usable surfaces, volumes, and CAD models that support earthwork calculations, structural design, and large site development planning.

Software options: CloudCompare (free), Autodesk Civil 3D ($$$), Bentley GEOPAK ($$$$), Trimble Business Center ($$$)

• Generate digital elevation models: Used for topographic analysis and grading design.
• Create contour maps: Common for slope analysis for site development.
• Model existing ground conditions: Popular for a variety of earthwork calculations.
• Generate surfaces for cut/fill analysis: Helpful for estimating material quantities.

CAD Model Creation

CAD software allows point cloud data to be imported and then used for direct structural designing, including buildings, large civil projects, or infrastructure.

Software options: Autodesk Civil 3D ($$$), Autodesk Revit ($$$), Bentley MicroStation ($$$$), Rhino 3D ($$), SolidWorks ($$$$)

• Model infrastructure elements: Roads, utilities, and drainage systems can be designed using point cloud data
• Create parametric models:  Models that contain specific relationships for iterative design work.
• Develop construction drawings: Significantly improve construction documentation workflows using 3D data.

Capturing 3D Point Clouds With Nexys

If your organization wants to start fully leveraging the power of point clouds and mobile 3D digital mapping, contact Exyn today. We offer one of the most advanced 3D mapping solutions and point cloud ecosystems to help optimize your surveying workflow.