Do Point Cloud viewers enhance drawing process ?

What additional visual tools do you use to improve the interpretation of 3D scan data when drawing or modelling?

The answer is a clear and resounding yes. Using a point cloud viewer  can help to process 3D data more efficiently, all while and offering many additional benefits. The questions that remain though, are when should you use a point cloud viewer, how to use it effectively, and what options are available on the market?

Viewing a point cloud in a CAD model isn’t always easy

A point cloud is a 3D dataset of millions or billions of points, each representing an exact location in space. Captured by 3D scanners, a point cloud provides a detailed digital replica of an environment or object. However, the dataset often includes irrelevant elements like furniture, equipment, stacked items or construction materials, which may not be needed for the final model.

 

         The process involves different teams

Another issue is that field measurements are often taken by someone other than the person responsible for creating 2D drawings or 3D models. As a result, modellers must interpret the shape and geometry of the scanned object without having been on-site. This lack of direct involvement can make understanding the context and intricacies of the object more complicated, leading to potential inaccuracies or misinterpretations in the final drawings or models.

 

          The most inefficient use

The key question now is how to use point cloud data effectively. Many applications on the market allow you to view 3D scan data, but the problem is that they run as stand-alone applications. In such cases, you see a point cloud image in the CAD software that has absolutely no relation to the viewer, and you need to be able to find the same viewing angles and projections in such cases to realize that you are looking at the same place on both screens and if you have a lot of other places that look alike, it can be chaotic and time-consuming.

         What makes Undet Browser unique

UNDET’s Point Cloud Viewer works quite differently. With just one click on an unclear point in your CAD software (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp and ARES Commander), you will automatically see an oriented view from the same position in the Undet Point Cloud viewer.

 

What additional benefits do you get from the Undet browser?

Two-way synchronization allows you to use special functions for faster and more accurate drafting and modelling. These additional features allow you to:

    • View and explore your 3D reality data in a way that feels like being live on-site.
    • Take measurements simply and quickly in Panoramic Scan Views.
    • Draw points in the CAD model by clicking in the Panoramic Scan View.
    • Update the Undet Clipping Box (point cloud slice) location by clicking in the panoramic scan view.
    • Synchronize the Undet Browser and 3D model to see the identical view simultaneously from the same camera position.
    • Use specialized scripts to Annotate Floor Plan Drawing
    • Synchronize the Undet Browser and 3D model to see the identical view simultaneously from the same camera position.
    • Use Model inspection tools to ensure a 3D model’s completeness and accuracy.

 

For more detailed use cases:

Conclusions:

In summary, using additional visual tools like point cloud viewers can significantly enhance the interpretation of 3D scan data for drawing or modelling by providing added clarity and context. The Undet Browser stands out by integrating seamlessly with CAD software, offering real-time synchronization that simplifies point cloud viewing and provides additional tools, better deliverables, and a faster workflow.