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Point clouds in FM

This article will cover how to upload, manage and view point clouds uploaded to Dalux FM. 

Point clouds are a dataset of points that contain geometric coordinates, color values, and brightness. They are usually generated by LIDAR scanners, that scan an area and collect the data points. The data points are then transformed into 3D images in the form of a point cloud.

We recommend using the Dalux Desktop App when working with Point Clouds.

Point clouds in FM are only available with BIM and documentation Pro.

Technical information

In most cases the recommended file format for optimal use is .laz, but other file formats will work just fine with Dalux FM. We recommend, that if possible, following the preferred file formats below from left to right. 

.laz .las .e57 .ply .pts .xyz

The max file size is 8GB.

.pts and .xyz files vary in their specification so the correct interpretation cannot be guaranteed. In case this is the only type of format available, a service like Pointzip can be used to convert files to .laz.

Dalux FM does not support .rcp files.

Table of contents

  1. Video
  2. How to set up point clouds
  3. How to use point clouds with Locations

Video

How to Set Up Point Clouds

User rights

Point clouds can only be managed by administrators.

To upload or manage point clouds, go to:

Settings BIM & documentation 'Point clouds'.

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When you click on 'Point clouds' a new window will open. From here you can

  • Upload or update point clouds for the Dalux FM instance
  • Show any point clouds uploaded to the Dalux FM instance

When selecting an existing point cloud, from the More menu you can:

  • Upload additional files to point cloud
  • Delete point cloud

Click on Upload and locate the point cloud files on your computer, then upload them to Dalux FM.

When you have found the files, a new window will open.

Pay special attention to the top of the window. You must tell Dalux FM whether you are uploading separate point clouds or if you are uploading a larger point cloud in different parts.

You can change the name of the point cloud(s) and set the recorded date. Note that this information cannot be changed after the upload.

When done, click on 'Upload'.

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When the point clouds are uploaded, Dalux FM will process the files before they can be used.

If adding point clouds from different dates, create a new point cloud and follow the same process.

When the point cloud has been uploaded and processed, it can be viewed by clicking it on the point cloud and then clicking Show in the top menu.

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Technical information

When viewing the point cloud on the Dalux desktop app, the point sizes are dynamically changed, based on factors such as camera angle and zoom levels.

When viewing the point cloud on the web, a 'Point size' slider will appear, and each point will be rendered with the selected size. This is true for both viewing the point cloud on its own and viewing it in 3D alongside the 3D model.

How to use point clouds with Locations

If the point clouds and a 3D model are aligned, the point cloud can be shown together with the 3D model. Point clouds can be viewed from Locations.

Go to Locations and select the Building that was associated with the point cloud. Then click the -button.

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You can then select Point clouds in the toolbar and select which point cloud to display. 

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The point cloud is shown alongside the 3D model, and navigation in 3D works as it normally does in Dalux FM.

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