BIM Point Cloud online management

Point clouds are undoubtedly the best method for obtaining a detailed survey of the as-is state of a building, infrastructure, or any structure in general.

But how do you manage a point cloud? Which software do you need?

If you’ve been given a point cloud and are unsure how to open and view it, this article will guide you through the process. We’ll be using an online point cloud viewer that’s completely free and requires no downloads to your computer. This means you can manage even large point clouds from any device.

What if you need to geolocalise your point cloud on a GIS map? You can do that with an online geospatial digital twin tool that combines the advantages of BIM and GIS in a single platform.

Let’s dive in.

What is a Point Cloud and what is it used for?

A point cloud is a collection of points in 3D space. Each point is defined by spatial coordinates (x, y, z) that indicate its position in space and may have additional characteristics (color, depth, etc.). These points result from surveys conducted using photogrammetry or 3D laser scanners.

Such point clouds accurately represent the as-is condition of the scanned object and serve as a basis for generating 3D models or for studying and analyzing existing conditions. Their applications are diverse, spanning from architectural restoration to renovation projects, from urban planning to civil engineering, and even to existing infrastructure monitoring.

How to view and manage a Point Cloud online

If you need to handle a point cloud but prefer not to download additional software to your computer, you can utilize an online point cloud viewer. If you require guidance on this process, follow these instructions closely.

To get started, you need to access the cloud of the integrated usBIM system by entering your login credentials (email and password).

If you don’t have an ACCA account yet:

• Visit the MyACCA page;
• Complete the registration by providing your details;
• Enter your email and choose a password.

Now you’re ready to proceed. Let’s see how to import the point cloud to the usBIM cloud.

How to Import a Point Cloud

Importing a point cloud is straightforward:

• Create a new folder;
• Upload the file into the folder using a simple drag-and-drop operation.

This way, by simply clicking on the uploaded file, you can already utilize all the features of the online point cloud viewer and handle BIM point clouds online.

Importing a Point Cloud to usBIM Cloud

Features of a Point Cloud Viewer

usBIM.pointcloud is not just a point cloud viewer; it’s a full-fledged online tool that enables you to manage surveys and perform various useful operations. Let’s explore its capabilities.

With a point cloud viewer, you can:

• Visualize the point cloud;
• Navigate in first-person or orbit mode;
• Generate infinite sections;
• Manage the survey from any internet-connected device;
• Share the file directly with a link that points to the cloud folder;
• Take measurements directly on the model;
• Federate multiple models simultaneously in the same view;
• Add annotations and external links to the model, creating a comprehensive information repository to share with colleagues.

The benefits of online management are numerous:

• Swift access to data thanks to the cloud;
• Simultaneous collaboration on the same model with colleagues;
• Advanced functions for federating multiple models with different file extensions;
• Time and cost savings as there’s no need to download files or invest in expensive data processing software;
• User-friendly interface, suitable for non-expert users;
• Point cloud management from any internet-connected device (PC, tablet, smartphone, etc.);
• Integration of BIM and GIS, placing the point cloud in its context;
• Navigation of point clouds of any size using just your browser, without downloading any files to your computer.

Supported Import Formats

Point clouds can be processed in various file formats. The most common formats include PLY (Polygon File Format), LAS (LiDAR Data Exchange Format), E57 (ASTM E57 Standard), and more. With usBIM.pointcloud, you can import and manage the most widely used file formats, including:

• E57;
• LAS;
• LAZ;
• XYZ;
• XYZCIRN;
• ASC;
• PLY;
• PTS.

To learn more, read also: How to create a 3D model from point cloud

Video

Watch this short video showing you how to manage online BIM point clouds with a Point Cloud to BIM software.

How to manage a large point cloud on a GIS map

If, on the other hand, you need to manage a large point cloud directly on a GIS map, you need to use an advanced geospatial digital twin tool capable of processing complex data without compromising performance.

The potential is huge, for example you can manage a 50 GB point cloud with 2.6 billion points in a GIS system, obtaining precise details such as the number of seats in a stadium, just like you can see in this video.

You can go from the scale of a city, to a furniture detail and have control over every aspect of the project.

The integration of 3D models such as meshes and BIM models in open formats such as IFC or proprietary formats such as Revit, Edificius and SketchUp allows you to create geospatial digital twins. This combination of BIM and GIS represents a breakthrough for digital projects, enhancing the analysis and visualisation of complex data in real time.

This represents the future of smart cities as it brings together IoT, BIM, GIS, virtual reality and Metaverse to manage and monitor in real time all the aspects that come into play in a design and maintenance process of a work or an entire territorial context. What are its fields of application?

Just to mention a few:

• detection and prevention of dangerous situations (floods, landslides, etc.)
• traffic management;
• monitoring of air pollution levels;
• choice of orientation of a building according to the specific characteristics of the context;
• informed project decisions;
• maintenance planning;
• verification and validation of design choices;
• classification of urban assets;
• management of transport systems;
• etc.