Question 1

What is Undet for SketchUp?

Accepted Answer

Undet for SketchUp is a remarkable extension that offers an unmatched level of functionality by enabling you to seamlessly manipulate point clouds, or 3D scan data, directly within SketchUp. This powerful tool is especially beneficial for architects, engineers, and construction (AEC) professionals, as it simplifies the process of creating 3D models from point clouds. With Undet point cloud plug-in for SketchUp, you can effortlessly extract objects from point clouds, significantly reduce modelling time, and produce high-quality deliverables for point cloud-related projects with pinpoint accuracy.

Question 2

How to import point cloud data into SketchUp?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to importing point cloud data into SketchUp, there are two excellent options to consider: the Undet and Scan Essential plugins. These plugins offer essential features such as effortless and fast point cloud data import, multi-colour point cloud visualization, point cloud viewing and slicing tools, and 3D model inspection tools. Additionally, they provide the ability to draw and snap directly onto the point cloud and use move and rotate tools to align scan data with the 3D model.

Question 3

What are file formats supported for point clouds in SketchUp?

Accepted Answer

Undet, the SketchUp point cloud plug-in, offers unparalleled functionality, allowing you to effortlessly import point cloud files from a wide range of sources, including 3D laser scanners, UAVs, 3D sensors, and photogrammetry software, directly into SketchUp. With its advanced features, Undet makes it easy to work with various point cloud formats, including *.E57, *.FLS, *.RCP/RCS, *.PTX, *.ZFS, *.LAS, *.LAZ, *.PTS, *.PLY, *.DP, *.FPR, *.LSPROJ, *.FWS, *.CL3, *.CLR, *.RSP, and ASCII / NEZ (X,Y,Z/i/RGB), as well as custom ASCII / TXT file formats.

Question 4

What can I do by using point clouds in SketchUp?

Accepted Answer

Point clouds in SketchUp can be used for a variety of purposes throughout the project life cycle for design, construction, operation, retrofits, and renovation projects:
Digitize the existing building or any structure, and make its 3D model or 2D drawings (accurate as-built documentation).
Plan and design. Point clouds can be used as base information about existing conditions by providing detailed information for planning and designing new construction or infrastructure projects.
Visualize ideas and see how they will fit and affect the existing environment. Point clouds provide a realistic 3D representation of the scanned object or environment. Carry out engineering assessments and measurements. You can analyze and measure volume, area, or distance between point cloud points SketchUp.

Question 5

Can I edit, move or slice a point cloud in SketchUp?

Accepted Answer

Cutting the point cloud is not only possible, but it is also necessary when working with it. Nevertheless, you are using a very tiny point cloud, which does not need to be cropped, and everything is clearly visible.

It is better to avoid point cloud moving, nevertheless, you use specialized tools to transform point cloud coordinates. In other cases, simply moving the point cloud can cause problems: make a lot of analysis, drawing and modeling errors, which will take a long time to correct.

Point cloud geometry cannot be edited, you can only slice and use different colouring modes to represent it.

Question 6

Can I automatically extract features from a point cloud in SketchUp?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, it is simply not possible to do everything automatically using SketchUp point cloud tools alone. However, some processes can be fully automated or accelerated using additional SketchUp point cloud plugins.

Using the Undet software, you will be able to perform the following automatic extractions:

Auto feature extraction tools for 3D modelling: plane detection, box detection, room volume extraction, horizontal plane fittings, roof plane fitting, actual plane fitting and corner line detection.
Automatic tools to generate a ground surface mesh from a point cloud by filtering out non-ground points. Or use Digital Terrain Model (DTM) tool to build mesh from filtered ground surface points.
Automatic texturing tools for enriching a model by adding texture created from a point cloud for one or multi planes at once.
Profile builder tool to automate architectural profiles vectorization and modelling.
Automatic tool to find the center line and diameter of the pipe on point cloud selection.
And other tools to speed up individual tasks for point cloud processing.

Question 7

What are the main challenges associated with processing large point clouds in SketchUp?

Accepted Answer

There are three main challenges:

Maintain high computer and software performance. Working with point clouds can be difficult due to their large size and complexity, and you might need special software such as Undet to handle them efficiently, especially in SketchUp.
To understand the point cloud and find what need in it. As you may know, point cloud represents a copy of the digital world, and when doing laser scanning, you are capturing everything you see: furniture, people, cars, equipment, absolutely everything available at that time. Therefore, sometimes, it takes more work to understand the 3D point cloud, especially for a new user.
The last challenge is digitizing point clouds into 2D drawings or 3d models. To do this, you first need to know the process, how it happens, and straightforward specialized tools to make it happen quickly and easily.

Question 8

What are the system requirements for working with point clouds in SketchUp?

Accepted Answer

You don't need a high end computer to handle the Undet software. However, there are some technical requirements you should be aware of to ensure optimal performance.

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit only)
CPU: 3.0 GHz or faster processor. Multiple CPUs or multicore CPUs recommended for point cloud processing
RAM: 16 GB or more recommended
GPU: We recommend using graphical processors like NVidia or AMD with a 3D Graphics accelerator card with OpenGL version 4.4 or newer, and GPU should be with at least 4 GB of VRAM
Hard Drive: SSD must be used for faster performance

Question 9

Why would I need an Undet, SketchUp point cloud plug-in?

Accepted Answer

Offering top-notch point cloud software solutions requires technical expertise and experience. That's where the Undet point cloud plug-in for SketchUp comes in, providing a powerful solution to enhance your point cloud processing and analysis capabilities. Developed by Terra Modus, a leading laser scanning company, Undet understands the challenges users face when trying to turn scanned data into 2D or 3D deliverables.

Specifically designed for users who need advanced point cloud processing and analysis tools, Undet can boost your productivity with its impressive features:

Efficiently and accurately work with large and complex point clouds.
Model complex interiors and exteriors, extract objects from point clouds, and create detailed 2D drawings and 3D models with ease.
Seamlessly integrates within SKetchUp, making the most of its interface and features to streamline your workflow.
Supports various point cloud file formats and scanners, offering you the flexibility and compatibility you need.
Plus, Undet provides consulting and training services to help you achieve your goals, projects, or overcome any obstacles by leveraging the best practices and solutions available.
Offers a free trial version for you to test its performance and functionality.

Undet for SketchUp

What can Undet for SketchUp do for you?

Features