The point cloud is the first 3-dimensional end product which will be available for processing after the completion of a laser scan.
A point cloud may contain millions, or even billions of points; at present, CAD softwares, even of recent design, are not capable of managing spatial information in these quantities.
A number of software publishers are developing complementary solutions (as Pointools or Lasergen for example) for integration into a professional software (Autocad, PDMS, Microstation, Rhino, Maya, 3DStudioMax etc.)
There are also stand-alone softwares for the processing of these “point cloud” files : Pointools, Realworks or 3DIpsos from Trimble for example.
Depending upon the processing tool selected, the cloud of points will allow the following :
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the three-dimensional display and manipulation of the digitized installation;
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the recording of distances between equipment (point to point) or the accurate identification of pipe diameters;
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segmentation of the cloud of points into functional components (pipes, civil engineering works, instrumentation, structures, etc);
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isolation of cut sections in the cloud, for the generation of section diagrams, longitudinal profiles or 2D plan views at any height required;
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the modelling of mathematical shapes (cylinders, cones, toroids, extrusions, boxes, planes, etc.), using shape recognition functions;
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the generation of matrix plots on uneven structures;
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the detection, analysis, documentation and resolution of collisions between a 3D project and the cloud of points, as a reflection of actual conditions...
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