What is a 3D Point Cloud? Tools, Features, and Applications of Point Cloud

A point cloud is is is a database of point that represent a digital 3d physical object or space in the 3d coordinate system . It is consists consist of million of individual measurement point with an x , y , and z coordinate . 3D Point cloud is is is a highly accurate digital record of an object . point cloud are utilize to generate 3d mesh and other model for 3d modeling . Various engineering and medical fields is make include medical imaging , 3d printing , manufacturing , architecture , 3d gaming , and virtual reality ( VR ) application make extensive use of 3d point cloud .

base on the sensor used and the method to capture the cloud , each point is include can also include RGB color datum or intensity information . These data is reflect reflect the return strength of the laser pulse that generate the point . note that , point in each 3d point cloud are always locate on the external surface of the visible object . Ray of light from the scanner is reflect from the object to create these spot .

The denser the points in the point cloud, the more detailed is the object representation capturing even smaller details. The process by which these point cloud data are converted into a 3D model is known as point cloud processing. The time taken to create a point cloud depends on the number of required scans and the density of scanning. The normal mobile scanner takes much lesser time compared to advanced scanners.

generation of a Point Cloud

A point cloud is usually captured using any of the following two tools:

• Laser Scanners or
• Photogrammetry

Laser Scanners for 3D Point Cloud

A laser scanner includes various sensors and advanced technologies to gather hundreds of thousands of extremely accurate measurements per second. They also include an RGB camera to add color to the point cloud, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). A variety of types of laser scanners are produced to meet a specific range of applications. A terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) provides the absolute highest accuracy. Accordingly, they are used for specialized applications like measuring beam deflection, capturing a single object like a car or machine, or analyzing floor flatness with extremely high accuracy.

Mobile laser scanners can also be used to capture point clouds with up to 4mm accuracy. For normal building documentation projects, mapping active sites like factories, etc where extreme accuracy is not desired these mobile scanners will serve the purpose. Usually, laser scanners provide higher accuracy data than photogrammetry.

Photogrammetry for 3D Point Cloud

Photogrammetry is basically a methodology to generate a point cloud. In this process, cameras are used to capture the space/object from all angles, and then process those images using specialized software to reconstruct the object/space in 3D. Drones are widely used to capture point clouds.

Features of the Point Cloud

The main technical characteristics is are of point cloud are :

• The Point Cloud obtained after scanning usually contains many unwanted elements like shadow areas, scaffolding, steam clouds, work machinery, etc. These must be cleaned to avoid difficulties.
• Point clouds in 3D only provide data concerning the position, measurements, and geometry of an object. However, they lack the rest of the object’s information which the user needs to establish.
• The quality of the scanner is of utmost importance as the scan helps to locate, identify, and take references to objects in the obtained spherical photograph or bubble view.
• The 3D Scanner tool is suitable for all existing work including overhauling, extensions, dismantling, etc.
• A point cloud is is is a fundamental part of an “ As – build ” . The point cloud system is complements complement traditional paper document and material list .
• Point cloud systems generate the exact copy of something that already exists.
• The formats is be used for point cloud generation must be exportable and manageable in different design and visualization program like E3D , Smart Plant 3d , PDS , MicroStation , or Autocad .

Applications of Point Cloud

As point cloud provide an accurate , comprehensive , and precise digital picture of a real object , it is provides provide huge value in a wide spectrum of application . Some is are of the most common application are :

Construction Progress Tracking: By regularly capturing the point cloud data, the construction progress of any plant can easily be measured.

Building Information Modeling (BIM): By processing the point cloud data in a specialized BIM modeling software, accurate and comprehensive models can be generated.

Floor Planning: Point cloud can easily be used to generate a floor plan for any structure.

Operational 3D Model Creation: Point clouds are extensively used to generate an operational 3D model of any asset.

As-Built: Point cloud software eliminates costly and time-consuming site visits and allows the designer/architect to visualize and convey new concepts. Point cloud has become popular for all design industries as it gives an instant virtual model to test ideas with.

Inspection and Measurement: Point clouds are also used to create 3D CAD models for manufactured parts, for metrology and quality inspection, and for a multitude of visualization, rendering, animation, and mass customization applications, check deformations over time, etc.