Importing a point cloud object

A point cloud object comprises a set of 3D data points captured from the surface of the real world using a 3D scanner. The object can be viewed interactively and transformed geometrically (including the zoom, scale, pan, rotate, flyover, and walkthrough functions), clipped into horizontal or vertical sections using the Clip Cube command, snapped to, measured and referenced for data, and placed into viewports. It provides an efficient and effective way to bring existing conditions into the design workflow.

Use the Clip Cube command to isolate points for selection and snapping.

Vectorworks Design Series products import registered point cloud data in the .laz, .las, .pts, .e57, .xyz, and .ply file formats.

To import point cloud data:

1.      Select the command.

2.Select the file to import.

Alternatively, click the file to import and drag it into an open Vectorworks file.

The Import Point Cloud Options dialog box opens.

Click to show/hide the parameters.

The import process automatically switches to a 3D view, using the default 3D render mode and projection specified in Vectorworks preferences (see Vectorworks preferences: 3D pane). The point cloud object’s Color Scale can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Because the Top/Plan view and render modes other than OpenGL or Wireframe are unlikely to be used in a point cloud workflow, a low-resolution image displays for Top/Plan, and a simple wire box displays for the other render modes.

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Editing point cloud objects

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