Import Unified Point Cloud


This article discovers opportunities presented with the new feature for Cintoo Connect - Unified Point Cloud import. The tool uses Cintoo proprietary algorithm to create structure for the scan file according to the parameters provided by a user during the import process. 


Watch tutorial video: How to Import Unified Point Clouds to Cintoo.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

To access functionality click Upload unified point cloud option from Add drop-down menu on the top right corner.


Use cases

  • Scan of the interior of the building when structure is absent or lost. This tool provides a unique opportunity to create a new structure for scan files without any additional effort embedded into Cintoo Connect solution.
  • Multimodal approach to scanning e.g., having terrestrial/mobile/drone in one point cloud. The tool allows to create a structure that was lost during unification process of the source terrestrial scans (for example, when using Autodesk ReCap).
  • Non-horizontal drone fly trajectory. 
    To upload a horizontal fly trajectory please use Upload Drone Data.

Note: recommended point cloud density for any scan format is 5mm, in extreme cases it might be increased up to 10mm.

Input data

The following data types are supported for import with Unified Point Could option:

  • E57 scans - only one point cloud, no multiple point clouds under one E57 scan file supported.
  • unstructured RCP
  • LAS and LAZ

Setup the import

1. Parameters that are required to start importing scan data:

 

  • File - path to the file on a local storage.


  • Surface covered by each virtual vantage point - parameter that controls covered surface which directly affects the number of scan positions generated. More surface covered - less scan positions generated. It could be set both by entering the value in the box or moving the slider. Please remember that this parameter is an estimation due to the specifics of the algorithm.


  • Elevation of the floors to be processed - parameter that controls elevation levels. Multiple levels could be introduced with the delimiter of ";" without spaces. 
    For example, scanning was performed inside a building having multiple floors covered, then knowing each floor elevation a user can set them to be treated separately.


Note: floor levels cover point cloud data above and below the level set by 25cm. If scanned terrain has a change of the level above this limit please add another floor level to cover the area. Same principle applies to slopes or steps present in the terrain.


Please closely analyze scan data to choose the right floor levels. These 2 articles will help to do that within Recap or Cloud Compare. After scan data is imported into Cintoo please carefully review if all the data has been covered, if not add more floor levels to ensure the full coverage.


  • Elevation above floor level - parameter that controls position of the scanner above the ground level. Meaning that bubble views would be created at this elevation in a Cintoo project.


2. Parameters that are shown for information purposes:

  • Number of points - information about the total amount of points in the point cloud.

 

  • Once Import button is clicked an estimation of the generated virtual vantage points (scan positions) and time estimation is shown in a pop-up window. Click Continue to proceed if the number of VVPs and time estimated are satisfactory.


  • Estimated generated virtual vantage points - amount of scan positions to be generated according to Surface covered by each virtual vantage point parameter controlled by the user.


  • Import time magnitude - estimated amount of time that would be required to import the data into Cintoo.

Limitations

Scans in E57 format are imported without 360 images. Images could be imported separately with Import 360 images option.