How to Open an E57 File (Point Cloud)

An E57 file is one of the most widely used formats for storing and exchanging 3D point cloud data, images, and metadata captured through laser scanning, LiDAR systems, and other digital surveying technologies. Thanks to its ability to preserve both geometric and informational data, the E57 format has become a key standard in BIM workflows, reality capture projects, architectural surveying, and digital built environment management.

In this article, you’ll learn what an E57 file is, why it is so important in the management of point cloud data, and how to view and work with it efficiently.

Specifically, I will show you:

• how to open and explore an E57 point cloud file online, in real time, without installing any dedicated software;
• how to navigate, inspect, and share point cloud data directly from your browser;
• where to download a sample point cloud dataset available in both E57 and LAS formats for testing and practice.

To demonstrate the process, I will use usBIM.pointcloud, a free online cloud viewer integrated into the usBIM platform, which allows you to visualize and manage large point cloud datasets directly in the cloud.

How to open an E57 file with usBIM.pointcloud

To discover how to operate with usBIM.pointcloud and to continue following my instructions step by step, I recommend you to access the usBIM service for free.

What is an E57 file?

First, let’s briefly clarify what the E57 format is.

The E57 format (the LIDAR Point Cloud Data File) is a neutral file format, vendor-independent, used for storing and exchanging point clouds, images, and metadata of 3D models scanned by detection systems such as laser scanners or other similar instruments.

It is recognized by ASTM, an international organization for standards, and is documented in the ASTM E2807 standard.

Use the E57 online viewer now

E57 file format: structure and features

The E57 file format was designed to efficiently manage large amounts of data from laser scanner surveys and 3D scanning technologies. It is an open and interoperable format, widely used in BIM workflows and in the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction surveying.

An E57 file can contain various types of information within a single digital archive. In addition to the three-dimensional points of the cloud, this format allows for the storage of:

• RGB colors;
• laser signal intensity;
• spatial coordinates;
• associated images;
• metadata related to the scan.

One of the main advantages of the E57 file type is its ability to compress data without compromising the quality of the point cloud. This aspect allows for lighter files compared to other formats while maintaining high performance in both visualization and information exchange.

The E57 format is mainly used because it guarantees compatibility between different software. A file generated by a laser scanner can indeed be opened and managed with numerous BIM platforms and applications dedicated to point clouds, without relying on proprietary software.

Structure of the E57 file

How E57 Files are Used in BIM Workflows and 3D Scanning

The E57 file is used in BIM workflows and 3D scanning processes because it allows for precise and interoperable management of data acquired through laser scanners and LiDAR technologies. Thanks to the high accuracy of the point cloud, technicians and designers can work on reliable and updated digital models of the actual state of the work.

The use of the E57 file format involves numerous operational areas. Below are some of the most common use cases.

Architectural Survey

In architectural surveying, the E57 file allows for the extremely precise capture of buildings, facades, internal environments, and construction details. The obtained point cloud serves as an accurate geometric basis for:

• 2D representations;
• BIM modeling;
• measurement verification;
• technical documentation of the existing state.

Renovation and Restoration

In restoration and recovery interventions, the E57 file type enables faithful documentation of complex geometries, irregular surfaces, and deformations present in historic buildings. This supports activities such as:

• degradation analysis;
• planning of interventions;
• comparison between original state and modified state;
• digital preservation of the existing heritage.

Infrastructure Design

In the infrastructure sector, the E57 file is used to survey:

• roads;
• bridges;
• tunnels;
• rail networks;
• large civil works.

The acquired data can be integrated into BIM and GIS software to coordinate the project more accurately and reduce interferences or errors during the execution phases.

Industrial Plants

In the industrial sector, point clouds in E57 format help manage particularly complex environments characterized by the presence of machinery, piping, and technological systems. In these cases, 3D scanning facilitates:

• the design of plant modifications;
• the checking of spatial clearances;
• the coordination between disciplines;
• the maintenance of existing plants.

Monitoring the Built Environment

The E57 file is also applied in monitoring and controlling the built environment. Periodic scans allow for comparison over time of the state of buildings and infrastructures to identify:

• deformations;
• settlements;
• structural shifts;
• geometric variations.

Use of the E57 file in BIM workflows and 3D scanning

Tools to Open E57 Point Cloud Files

Those who need to manage point clouds do not always have access to dedicated professional software or specific licenses for processing 3D surveys. For this reason, many users are looking for a free E57 file viewer that at least allows them to open and visualize the model without additional costs.

Cloud platforms represent one of the simplest solutions for opening an E57 file without installing applications on your PC. An online E57 file viewer indeed allows you to upload the point cloud to the cloud and access the model directly from the browser, even from different devices.

With an online E57 viewer, you can:

• interactively visualize the point cloud;
• navigate the 3D model from the browser;
• share the model with collaborators and clients;
• access files from multiple devices;
• avoid unnecessary data duplication;
• speed up project verification.

This solution is particularly useful in collaborative BIM workflows, as it allows multiple users to consult the same E57 file without continuously transferring copies of the model or installing specific software on each device.

How to Open an E57 File Online

There are several specific software options that allow you to open and visualize files with the E57 extension.

However, if you do not have the right software and do not intend to purchase it, I recommend an alternative way to open, view, and manage the file without installing any software on your PC.

Specifically, I’ll show you how to do it using usBIM.pointcloud.

With usBIM.pointcloud, you have a free and completely online tool to open, visualize, and add information to a point cloud, without downloading any software on your device.

You just need to access the usBIM page and enter your ACCA account credentials.

How to log in to usBIM

If you don’t have an ACCA account yet:

• go to the MyACCA page
• register by entering all your details
• enter your email and a password.

Now you are ready to access usBIM.pointcloud and all the free applications of the integrated usBIM system.
At this point, just upload the E57 file to the usBIM cloud and open it to view it from both your PC and smartphone.

How to open an E57 file with usBIM.pointcloud: step by step procedure

To open an E57 file online with usBIM.pointcloud, follow these steps:

• Log in to usBIM:
  log in to usBIM with your ACCA account credentials (click here to access usBIM)
• Create a new folder:
  create a new folder by clicking on the appropriate icon at the bottom right
• Upload the E57 file:
  upload the point cloud file to the folder with a simple drag&drop
• Open the file in the online viewer:
  click on the PC screen-shaped icon next to the file you just uploaded and select the “Open” option.
• View and navigate the point cloud:
  Once the file is open, you can explore the 3D model directly from the browser, without installing software on your PC.

In this way, you can view a point cloud in E57 format online, access the model from multiple devices, and share the file with other users without duplicating or transferring it manually.

What you can do with usBIM.pointcloud

usBIM.pointcloud is not just a simple online viewer.
In fact, being one of the applications of the usBIM system, it also allows you to benefit from a number of advantages of the BIM methodology.
The 3D model of the point cloud can therefore be enriched with useful information and data, shared with colleagues, federated with BIM models created with any BIM authoring tool, etc.
In summary, in addition to viewing the point cloud model in a photorealistic way, you can also:

• show the model to the client from any internet-connected device;
• navigate through complex textured mesh models directly from your browser;
• extract linear measurements, surface areas, and angles directly from the 3D model even if created with software not in your possession;
• create sections of the model at any point you wish;
• federate multiple 3D models in different file formats (proprietary and non-proprietary);
• add information, links, videos, images, and files of any type to the model;
• share point clouds and BIM models through the usBIM chat without exchanging and duplicating files, thanks to a simple chat message.

To explore the features of usBIM.pointcloud further, click here to read the in-depth article.

Point cloud formats supported by usBIM.pointcloud

With usBIM.pointcloud you can manage many other formats related to point clouds.
The formats supported by usBIM.pointcloud are:

• .LAS
• .LAZ
• .E57
• .PLY
• .PTS
• .XYZ

All the features described above are valid for each listed file format.

E57 file vs LAS/LAZ file: differences between point cloud formats

The E57 file and the LAS/LAZ file represent two of the most commonly used formats for managing point clouds, but they have different characteristics and purposes.
The E57 file format was mainly created to facilitate interoperability and data sharing from 3D laser scanners. This format supports:

• 3D coordinates;
• RGB colors;
• laser signal intensity;
• associated images;
• scan metadata;
• additional information on surveying.

For this reason, the E57 file is particularly suitable for BIM workflows, 3D modeling activities, and digital documentation of constructed works.
The LAS format, on the other hand, is primarily used in the topographic sector and in land surveys obtained through aerial LiDAR technology. It is a widely used standard in GIS applications and in the management of geospatial data on a large scale.
The LAZ format is the compressed variant of the LAS format and is used when there is a need to reduce file sizes while maintaining a structure suitable for managing geospatial LiDAR data.
From an operational perspective:

• the E57 file is ideal for interoperable exchange of complex 3D scans, even with images and metadata;
• the LAS file is widely used for terrestrial LiDAR data and GIS applications;
• the LAZ file allows the management of compressed LAS data, reducing storage space;
• the choice between E57, LAS, and LAZ depends on the type of survey, the tools used, and the project’s objectives.

The choice between E57 file and LAS file, therefore, depends on the type of survey, the tools used, and the project’s objectives.

How to convert E57 files into other point cloud formats

In some cases, it may be necessary to convert an E57 file into other formats compatible with specific software or different processing platforms. This need arises mainly when working with applications that support only certain point cloud standards.
To convert an E57 file format, you can use:

• software dedicated to managing 3D surveys;
• cloud platforms compatible with multiple formats;
• BIM tools with integrated export functions.

Among the most common conversions are those to the previously listed formats (LAS, LAZ, PLY, XYZ, PTS):
Before performing the conversion, it is important to verify that the software properly maintains all the information associated with the point cloud, such as coordinates, RGB colors, and metadata.
An incorrect conversion could result in data loss of some information, such as associated images, scanner data, coordinate systems, point attributes, or survey metadata.
Many professional tools also allow you to export the E57 file type while optimizing the size and structure of the model based on the operational needs of the project.

Common Problems When Opening E57 Files and How to Solve Them

In some cases, you may encounter issues when trying to open an E57 file correctly. The causes may stem from software incompatibilities, errors during the export of the point cloud, or particularly large file sizes.

The most frequent issues include:

• software that does not support the E57 file format;
• outdated versions of viewing programs;
• corrupted or incomplete files;
• hardware limitations of the device being used.

In these situations, it is advisable to check the compatibility of the E57 file viewer being used or to resort to updated online tools. Corrupted files or those exported incorrectly can also prevent the point cloud from being opened. If the problem persists, it is wise to request the original file again or to generate a new export from the acquisition software.

When the file has very large sizes, some devices may not have sufficient resources for full management of the model. In these cases, an online E57 file viewer may be an effective solution, as much of the processing occurs directly in the cloud.

If you have doubts about how to open a file in E57 format, using dedicated web platforms often enables you to quickly overcome compatibility and software installation issues.

E57 Files: Common Problems and Solutions

Download example point cloud

To download the example file of a point cloud, follow these instructions:

• log in to usBIM with your credentials;
• in the “Shared with me” section, click on the ACCA software folder and open the “examples” folder;
• look for the file with the E57 extension among the available example files;
• click on the three dots next to the file and select “Download”.

If you log in to usBIM you can download the file for free and open it with specific software you have or you can view and manage the model directly online, with usBIM.pointcloud.

This second method is certainly more advantageous because:

• you avoid installing other software on your PC,
• you keep your models safe in the usBIM cloud and do not take up space on your PC,
• you don’t have to incur costs to buy a license or upgrade software,
• you save memory on your hard disk,
• you can view 3D models from any internet-connected device (PC, tablet, smartphone),
• you can share models, even large ones, with your collaborators thanks to a simple link, without downloading and duplicating files.

I remind you that with usBIM you have the advantage of managing the 3D model of the point cloud even without downloading the file to your PC. In fact, you can view and navigate it in photorealistic mode directly from your PC or smartphone’s browser.

Use the Point cloud viewer online now.

FAQ about E57 files

What is an E57 file?

An E57 file is a standard format used to store and exchange 3D point clouds, images, and metadata acquired from laser scanners, LiDAR systems, or digital surveying instruments.

How do you open an E57 file?

You can open an E57 file with software compatible with point clouds or with an online viewer. With a cloud viewer, you can upload the file, open it from the browser, and navigate the 3D model without installing software on the PC.

Does an E57 file only contain point clouds?

No. An E57 file can contain 3D coordinates, RGB colors, laser signal intensity, associated images, and metadata related to the scan.

What is the difference between E57 and LAS?

The E57 format is primarily used for the interoperable exchange of 3D scans in BIM workflows and scan-to-BIM. The LAS format is widely used in LiDAR surveys, GIS applications, and geospatial data management.

What is a LAZ file?

A LAZ file is a compressed version of the LAS format. It is used to reduce the size of LiDAR data while maintaining a structure suitable for managing geospatial point clouds.

Can I open an E57 file without installing software?

Yes. You can use an online E57 file viewer, upload the point cloud to the cloud, and open it directly from the browser on a PC, tablet, or smartphone.