Point Cloud software

Jamie · Newbie Joined: Mar 20, 2007 Posts: 1

Hey,
This is my first time on the forum. Does anyone know of an easier way to create detailed as-built elevation drawings without having to manually trace out every feature. Is there any software available to recognise edges and automatically polyline the edges?
Thanks Jamie

pburrows145 · Newbie Joined: Jan 11, 2007 Posts: 4

Hi Jamie,

JRC Reconstructor does a good job of trying to analyse the data sets and generate detailed line-work which can be exported as DXF/DWG files. However, it's not free - but well worth a trial if you are considering investing.

Dependent on the scanner (and software) you have, Cyclone has a 'Find Edge' function which takes away some of the pain, but by far the easiest option, if you're a CAD user already is Cloudworx.

The problem with automated algorithms is you will never, any time soon, achieve the same level as quality as digitally traced line-work. I'm sure the time will come though.

Any questions get in touch.

Regards
Paul
_________________
Kind Regards
Paul Burrows

3space · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:54 am Post subject:

I think the Find Edge tool in Cyclone is good for simple profile shapes like curbs and such...
FARO Scene has a tool to Find Edges in a scan, which when you highlight an area and click that function, all the edges with contrast will have a 3D polyline edge... depending on the resolution and reflectivity/contrast of the object you might get ok results, and then use the "flatten" command in AutoCAD to convert to 2D polylines and maybe run a "pedit" to do a Fit Curve function to smooth it out.

These tools are excellent for Architectural elevation drawings:

Kubit PointCloud
www.kubitusa.com
You can apply a rectified orthophoto image to a plane created on the face of the building in the point cloud to "trace" the outlines with a high resolution photo if you have low res scans (like if using a slower time-of-flight scanner like an HDS3000)... ALSO, you can just clip the image and use it as the deliverable itself too...
What's really cool is that if you have FARO Scene, you can use the Draw-to-CAD function to "link" to AutoCAD with FARO Cloud (or Kubit PointCloud calls it SendtoKubit) and transfer 3D coordinates while you click in the planar image... in essence, there is no point cloud in AutoCAD, you simply "connect the dots" in FARO Scene and the 2D or 3D polyline will appear in AutoCAD. You can even do solid modeling this way like boxes, cylinders, etc...

Kubit makes this function available in other programs too like:
FaroScene (FARO)
LaserControl (Zoller+Fröhlich + Leica HDS4500/6000)
Reconstructor (JRC/Topotek)

Also,
Pointools View & View Pro
www.pointools.com
Is an excellent tool for using high resolution scans to create visuals and orthophoto "images" of registered scan data... check out their gallery for screenshots.[img][/img][img][/img]
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