Handout - 1870 - AU2013 CI1870 Class Handout

Lidar Data & Point Clouds: From Scanning to
Planning & Beyond

Matt Miyamoto, P.E. Ideate, Inc.
CI1870 This class is designed for the surveyor, engineer, or planner who is interested in finding out more about
incorporating the use of Li!" data into their pro#ect lifecycle using products from !utodes$% Infrastructure esign
&uite 'ltimate ()*+. The class focuses on the $ey wor$flow processes for incorporating Li!" data from data
collection and review to planning and design. ,ith the addition of !utodes$% "e-ap. software to the ()*+ design
suites, the ability to process and review Li!" data has been incorporated into our pro#ect wor$flow. In this class, we
begin by reviewing and editing a sample Li!" dataset in !utodes$% "e-ap. /e0t, we see how the data can be
incorporated into planning stage visuali1ation using !utodes$% Infra,or$s. software. 2ollowing Infra,or$s, we see
how the Li!" data can be incorporated into !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% software and used for creating
e0isting ground models for the basis of design using Infrastructure esign &uite 'ltimate. 2inally, we4ll see how laser
scans can be incorporated into building design and renovations using !utodes$% "evit.
Learning Objectives
!t the end of this class, you will be able to5
6ain a better understanding of the capabilities of !utodes$% "e-ap and where it can be used in
the pro#ect wor$flow process

'nderstand how Li!" data can be processed 7 edited prior to importing into primary design
software.

Learn how Li!" data can be incorporated into high level Planning stage visuali1ations in
!utodes$% Infra,or$s

&ee how the imported point cloud can be used to generate e0isting ground models in !utodes$%
!uto-!% -ivil 3%.

&ee how processed data can be imported directly into !utodes$% "evit for building design

Lidar Data & Point Clouds: From Scanning to Planning & Beyond
(

About the Speaker
Matt is an Application Specialist in Ideate, Inc.'s Seattle office and is an ACI certified instructor. He is a
licensed Civil Engineer with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to oining Ideate, Matt wor!ed as a
civil design engineer, using Civil "# on a variet$ of proects including site develop%ent, roadwa$
i%prove%ents and infrastructure design. &ith over '()$ears of e*perience in the civil engineering
industr$, he uses his real)world !nowledge to provide training, consulting, technical support for
organi+ations transitioning to Civil "#. He is Autodes!% Certified in AutoCA#%, AutoCA#% Civil
"#%, and BIM &or!flow for ,oads - Highwa$s. Since .((/, Matt has 0een the instructor for Ideate's
online Civil "# .('1 &or!ing with 2i#A, #ata class, and contri0utes to Ideate, Inc.3s technical 0logs
and infor%ational videos.
http144ideatesolutions.0logspot.co%4
http144www.$outu0e.co%4user4IdeateInc
Email5 matt.miyamoto8ideateinc.com

3

Table of Contents
Introduction
Lidar Data: Background Inforation
*. ,hat is Lidar9
(. ata -ollection Methods
3. Pre:()*+ !utodes$% &oftware 7 Lidar ata
!ro Scan to "lan using Autodesk# $eCap "roducts
*. "e-ap &tudio 7 "e-ap Pro
a. -reating a Pro#ect 7 Importing 2iles
b. Point -loud ;isuali1ation
c. Point -loud "eview
d. Point -loud !nnotation 7 Editing
e. E0porting Modified atasets
(. "e-ap Photo
a. "ecommendations for ta$ing Photos
b. -onnecting to "e-ap Photo <nline
c. Posting a Photos to a Pro#ect
d. "e-ap Photo E0amples=
"lanning % "reliinar& Design 'ith Autodesk# Infra(orks
*. 6round Models from Point -loud ata in !utodes$% Infra,or$s
a. Import .IM> 2iles
(. Importing &cans of E0isting 2eatures into !utodes$% Infra,or$s
a. Importing ."-& 2iles
(orking 'ith "oint Clouds in Autodesk# AutoCAD# Civil )D#
*. Importing "e-ap Point -louds in !uto-!% -ivil 3%
a. -onverting !uto-!% Point -louds into !uto-!% -ivil 3% Point -loud
ob#ects
b. -reating !uto-!% -ivil 3% &urfaces from Point -louds
(. ;irtual &urveying using Point -loud data
(orking 'ith "oint Clouds in Autodesk# $evit#
*. Importing "e-ap Point -louds in !utodes$% "evit%
a. "ecommended &ettings
(. -reating e0isting components with Point -louds as "eference
3. !dding Proposed 2eatures to the !utodes$% "evit% Model
Ackno'ledgeents
$eferences

+

Introduction
Lidar data has been around for ?uite some time, however when trying to incorporate these large
datasets into planning and design, end:users have struggled with both hardware and software
solutions.
This year, the !utodes$% esign &uites provide a new application to help solve this problem.
!utodes$% "e-ap &tudio and !utodes$% "e-ap Pro, along with !utodes$% "e-ap Photo
introduces a new and enhanced Point -loud processing engine with high:powered visuali1ation
tools and built:in editing capabilities. @ecause it includes similar capabilities to applications from
scanner manufacturers, additional software purchases are no longer re?uired.
!long with this new application, the Point -loud processing engine has also been enhanced in
other !utodes$% software, ma$ing navigation and review of Point -loud data in our primary
design environment smoother and more efficient. Incorporating Point -loud data into the @IM
wor$flow process is significantly easier, as is our method for reviewing and editing Point -louds
prior to using them into our models.
! basic @IM ,or$flow using Lidar data and products from the ()*+ !utodes$ esign &uites can
be identified as follows5
'. 2idar data anal$sis and editing using Autodes!5 ,eCap
.. Planning - Preli%inar$ #esign and Anal$sis using Autodes!5 Infra&or!s
". #etailed Surve$ - Civil #esign using Autodes!5 AutoCA#5 Civil "#5 and4or Building
#esign using Autodes!5 ,evit5
6. 7Construction Si%ulation - 8isuali+ation with Autodes!5 9aviswor!s5 and Autodes!5
Infra&or!s5

A2or the purposes of this presentation, we are covering items *:3 only.

B

Lidar Data: Background Inforation
(hat is Lidar*
&hort for Light etection !nd "anging, Li..!.". is a term used to describe the process for
capturing position related data using laser or light sources. &imilar to &</!" using sound
waves, Li!" uses light pulses to detect distances and measurements from a $nown source.
There are two general methods of measurement ta$en with Lidar scanners.
Time o Flig!t measurements are a single pulse that measure the time of flight from the
scanner to the ob#ect and bac$.
P!ase Based scanning uses constant waves of varying length pro#ected from the source. 'pon
contact with an ob#ect, they are reflected bac$ to the scanner. The distance from the scanner to
the ob#ect is accurately measured by measuring the phase shifts in the waves of infrared light.
<nce collected, Lidar datasets can be presented as a three dimensional group of points called a
Point -loud. Point -louds are a large group of 3 points that spatially represent the
environment around the laser scanner and can be made from single or multiple Lidar scans.
,hen multiple files are combined, they can be registered to align common points between
scanned files. In many cases, targets are often set up around the ob#ect of interest and used as
common points for registration. &ome scanners also allow $nown points from survey data to be
created and added to the dataset for registration and lin$ing to geographical coordinate
systems.
The density of a Point -loud refers to the distance between collected points. istance from the
source to the scanned point often determines the density. @ecause Lidar uses light pulses as
its measurement tool, a line:of:sight re?uirement also applies. !ny ob#ects that are bloc$ed or
outside the line of sight will not be measured by a scan. &canning of the same ob#ect from
multiple angles provides a solution for areas that are outside the line:of:sight from a single scan
location.
Data Collection +ethods
!irborne Laser &canning refers to a data collection method where a scanner is attached to an
airplane or helicopter that flies over an area of interest. The airplane ma$es multiple passes for
the scanner to sweep the area. This method is commonly used for large or inaccessible areas,
e0teriors, and corridors. !erial scanning is one of the original methods of data collection,
however it is not the most accurate Cgenerally D*) cm depending on conditionsE.

;ehicular Mounted &canning has increased in popularity over the past few years as
advancements in technology have made scanners smaller and more portable. In this method, a
scanner is attached to a vehicle that is driven through an area of interest. This method is
commonly used for roadway corridor and tunnel mapping and can be done at highway speeds
with high accuracy depending on conditions and e?uipment.

F

6round @ased &canning provides the highest level of accuracy and control over scanned data.
Portable scanners are mounted to tripods that maintain a stationary position while the scanner
rotates and scans the area around it. @ecause the scanner remains at a fi0ed position, survey
grade accuracy can be obtained using ground mounted scanners. This method is highly
efficient, safer than traditional surveying methods and provides a high level of detail within its
datasets. ue to the high level of detail, building interiors, e0teriors, and survey grade ground
models are common areas of application for this method.
"re,-./0 Autodesk# Soft'are % Lidar Data
Prior to the ()*+ product line, !utodes$% software was able to import Lidar datasets, but users
did not have a tool to easily manipulate and edit these large amounts of data. The si1e of
source files as well as the si1e of the models generated from them often led to lots of crashing
and frustration.

2or those who owned a scanner, the scan manufacturer often provided additional applications
for reviewing and editing point clouds prior to e0porting a finali1ed dataset. This was a lu0ury
that most did not have, which led to higher costs paid to a vendor to edit the dataset before
hand or to purchase software from the scan manufacturer separately.

!voiding those options re?uired $nowledge of database applications li$e Microsoft% !ccess%
that can apply point filtering ?ueries and the utili1ation of !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3%
surface editing tools li$e the &implify &urface -ommand and ata -lip @oundaries. !lthough
they did provide a more manageable dataset, these methods are mostly data driven, dealing
with raw data and numbers rather than visual areas of interest. This made it very difficult to
control e0actly what was being preserved or removed from a dataset.

G

!ro Scan to "lan using Autodesk# $eCap "roducts
Autodesk $eCap# Studio % Autodesk $eCap# "ro
The ()*+ !utodes$% product line includes new standalone applications for wor$ing with Lidar
datasets. !utodes$% "e-ap &tudio was released with the initial product rollout and !utodes$%
"e-ap Pro is now available for !utodes$% esign &uite &ubscription owners.

&hort for H"eality -apture,I !utodes$% "e-ap is a front:end application for processing,
reviewing and editing scanned data. It provides similar tools to those typically provided by
scanner manufactures li$e Trimble% and Leica%. !long with review and editing capabilities, the
overall processing and rendering engine has been updated in ()*+, leading to smoother
manipulation, higher ?uality visuali1ation and navigation capabilities.
Creating a "roject 'ith Autodesk# $eCap
The first step in creating a pro#ect is collecting data. !utodes$% "e-ap is compatible with a
wide range of file types, including those from scanner manufactures and past !utodes$%
software. The application itself wor$s with two primary file types. ! "e-ap pro#ect is tagged
with a ."-P file e0tension, and individual scan files are tagged with ."-& file e0tensions.
"e-ap pro#ects are created and populated with one or more ."-& files containing scanned
data. <riginal source files imported from native file formats are processed and converted into
."-& files for use within the application. The original files are maintained, and a new copy of
the file with a ."-& e0tension is generated during import.
uring the import process, multiple source files can be selected, and with !utodes$% "e-ap
Pro, files that are not pre:registered by the provider can also be registered during creation of the
"e-ap pro#ect. Jnown common points must be identified in each scan file, and those points are
aligned when the pro#ect is displayed in the application. 2iles that are pre:registered do not
re?uire any additional steps, and can be imported directly by simply selecting all files of interest.
Typical steps for creating a new pro#ect and importing scan files are outlined below.

K

'. After o0taining scan data, launch the application and create a 9ew Proect.

.. 9a%e the new proect and specif$ a location for saving.
L

". Select the source files or folder containing co%pati0le files for i%port. If source files are not pre)
registered, the option to register scans is availa0le here.

7Sa%ple files provided 0$ Andrew :orgerson of Surface - Edge "# 2aser Scanning

6. ;nce files are processed, the option to 2aunch Proect appears. Proects can 0e launched after
processing is co%plete on at least one source file.

*)

"oint Cloud 1isuali2ation
!fter a pro#ect is launched, !utodes$% "e-ap provides tools for ;isuali1ation, /avigation,
!nnotation, Measurement and Editing.

The Pro"ect #a$igator is located at the bottom right portion of the screen. This tool allows
users to control the display point cloud data from each imported scan file. 'sers can also
create saved ;iew &tates and designate &can "egions here.

Limit Bo% Dis&lay Settings
The upper left of the application window includes a Limit Bo% tool for specifying pro#ect limits
and Dis&lay Settings for controlling the visual representation of the Point -loud. Most notably
within these tools, the isplay &ettings has options for ad#usting the Point &i1e Cvery useful
when selecting points for editingE and pre:defined color based settings li$e "6@, Elevation,
Intensity, /ormal, and &can Location.

**

"oint Cloud $evie'
@esides visuali1ation tools, !utodes$% "e-ap also includes useful navigation and review tools
for e0ploring your point cloud. Icons are available on left side of the screen below the Limit @o0
and can be activated by left:clic$ing on them with the mouse. These tools can also be activated
through $eyboard and mouse shortcut combinations.

/avigation Toolbar
'indo(5 Let)clic* & drag
Pan5 +old do(n mouse (!eel and move the mouse
,r-it5 +old do(n t!e .ig!t)clic* button and move the mouse
Loo*5 CT.L / .ig!t)clic* button and move the mouse
Fly5 S+IFT / .ig!t)clic* button and move the mouse Croll the wheel up or down to increase or
decrease flying speedE

A&hortcuts can also be accessed by hovering over the navigation tool icon in the toolbar.
"oint Cloud Annotation % 3diting
The bottom:center of the application window displays editing and annotating tools. The two
available icons are 'indo( and Distance. ,hen these icons are hovered over, they e0pand to
display more measurement and windowing options.
The istance tool provides Linear dimensions, !ngular dimensions, and /ote bubbles for
adding custom annotations.
The ,indow icon includes standard ,indow based selection Cclic$ and dragE as well as a 2ence
option Cpolygon selection methodE and a feature for identifying flat planes within the model.
!fter a portion of the model has been selected using windowing options, additional editing tools
appear.

Editing Toolbar Cappears after a selection set is createdE
.egion5 Creates a ne( Scan .egion rom selected &oints
Cli& ,utside5 .emo$es &oints outside t!e selection set
Delete5 .emo$es t!e selected &oints
Clear: Clears t!e selection set 0deselect1
*(

Maneuvering around the Point -loud using /avigation Tools and creating selection sets through
,indow or 2ence selections provides users with the added ability to apply visual edits to point
cloud data. 'nli$e past methods that incorporated database ?ueries or bac$ground
simplification processes, we are now able to see what portions of the point cloud we are
modifying.
34porting +odified Datasets
!fter edits are complete, a modified "e-ap pro#ect is visible on screen. !lthough the pro#ect
itself has been edited through the removal of points, the bac$ground pro#ect data remains the
same. &aving the "e-ap pro#ect, and importing the ."-P file into another application will still
display the full dataset.
To generate a reduced dataset compatible with our primary design software, the edited pro#ect
should be e0ported to a new file. The Mome icon in the upper left includes a command to e0port
a single ."-& file of the modified pro#ect. The ()*+ !utodes$% product line supports ."-& and
."-P file formats, so once the new ."-& file is created, it can be imported directly into products
li$e !utodes$% Infra,or$s, !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3%, and !utodes$% "evit% for
incorporation into our @IM ,or$flow.
Autodesk $eCap# "hoto
2or those of us out there who do not have easy access to Lidar data or scanners, !utodes$%
has also provided a cloud:based service called !utodes$% "e-ap Photo.
!vailable online through reca&2autodes*2com, this service produces point clouds by stitching
together multiple digital photographs of an ob#ect. The entire process is handled via the cloud,
freeing up wor$station processing and allowing users to continue wor$ing without interruption.
In order to use "e-ap Photo, you must have an e0isting, or create a new !utodes$% 3F)
account for login to the site.

*3

<nce logged in, a new pro#ect can be created and photos uploaded to the pro#ect.

The first step in creating a new pro#ect is providing a /ame, and specifying the desired output
file formats. <nly the Migh or 'ltra ?uality options provide an output file for use with other
applications C."-&, .<@N, ."-M, .2@>, and .IPME.

!fter creating the new pro#ect and specifying the output file format, digital photos must be
provided. They can be dragged 7 dropped into the dialog or selected individually.

*+

,ith photos uploaded, users can review the images that will be used for generating the output
file, and access !dvanced Tools for registration options within the digital photos. Points can be
created manually within the photo and distance references can also be included for
measurements. 2ield measurements should always be ta$en for model verification andOor
scaling within the application as needed after the output file is generated.
<nce complete, the pro#ect is submitted and users are notified via email when the output file is
ready for download. If a ."-& file was selected as the output format, it can be opened directly
through !utodes$% "e-ap &tudio or Pro. <utput files can also be viewed online through a web
browser for those who do not own additional software.
The processing is done with pi0el recognition to stitch ( photographs into a 3 point cloud, so
?uality of photos is very important. It is recommended that photos are ta$en in well:lit areas
with a high ?uality camera. !lthough there is no e0act number for the amount of photos,
pictures should be ta$en at B to *) degree increments around the sub#ect to provide the best
overlap in pi0els for use in the stitching process. Environmental variables as well as the ob#ect
of interest all play a factor in determining the amount of photos re?uired for an accurate model.
2or the curb ramp e0ample above, (F photos from a *):megapi0el &L" camera were used.
Photos were ta$en mid:day with direct sunlight, resulting in a very nice model.

*B

"lanning % "reliinar& Design 'ith Autodesk# Infra(orks
Planning and Preliminary esign has been ta$en to a new level with the release of !utodes$%
Infra,or$s. 2ormerly $nown as !utodes$% Infrastructure Modeler%, this application has been
enhanced and re:branded in ()*+. !long with the other products identified in our @IM
,or$flow, !utodes$% Infra,or$s also supports "e-ap ."-& and ."-P files.
Two main features come to mind when relating Lidar and Point -loud data with !utodes$%
Infra,or$s modelsP e0isting structures, and terrain models. <nce these e0isting features are
created in the model, !utodes$% Infra,or$s provides a variety of tools for visuali1ing,
communicating and presenting design information at this stage of the design process.
34isting Structures fro Lidar Data in Autodesk# Infra(orks
In the case of e0isting structures, a direct import of Lidar data is an e0cellent choice. &canning
and importing a feature using Lidar data is an efficient way to show ob#ects within the conte0t of
the model without having to redraw or create them from scratch. &can data can also be pre:
processed and edited using !utodes$% "e-ap, providing a leaner data source for import.
The imported scan is listed as a Point -loud ob#ect in !utodes$% Infra,or$s and displays as a
3 entity that can be placed interactively in the virtual model. -olor and detail of the e0isting
structures are based on the information provided by the scan.
Connecting to Point Clouds as a Data Source in Autodesk InfraWorks
'. Create a new or launch an e*isting %odel in Autodes!5 Infra&or!s
.. ;pen the #ata Sources panel
". <se the #ata Source drop down list to select Point Cloud
6. 9avigate to $our .,CS file =e*ported fro% ,eCap> or other Point Cloud file
?. In the #ata Source Configuration window, select the Coordinate S$ste% =i.e. @A)B:>
C. In the Position Section, select the place%ent option =2ower 2eft Bront tends to wor!
well>
D. Clic! Interactive Placing
E. #ou0le)clic! the location in the %odel where $ou wish to place the Point Cloud
/. Clic! Close - ,efresh to update the %odel and e*it the #ata Source Configuration
window

AManipulating the point cloud once it is placed in the model is limited. !d#ustments to
scaleOrotationOplacement are more easily accomplished by going bac$ to the -onfiguration
window.
*F

ata &ource Panel ata &ource -onfiguration

Point -loud imported from ."-& file displayed in !utodes$% Infra,or$s
&can data provided by !ndrew Torgerson of &urface 7 Edge 3 Laser &canning
-oordinate &ystem
Placement <ption
Interactive Placing
*G

Terrain +odels fro Lidar Data in Autodesk# Infra(orks
2or terrain models, processing lidar data in !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% and generating a
&urface <b#ect, then e0porting to .IM> for import into !utodes$% Infra,or$s is recommended.
!lthough there are added steps involved, this recommendation is due to the added features
available for Terrain ob#ects in !utodes$% Infra,or$s when compared to features of Point
-louds that are imported directly.
!fter creating the surface ob#ect in !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3%, use the E0port IM> option
located in the "ibbon <utput tab E0port panel. Everything is done automatically, so no
additional options or dialog bo0es are involved. The resulting .IM> file appears in the same
folder location as the drawing file it was created from. These .IM> files have been created for
data transfer between !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% and !utodes$% Infra,or$s and can be
imported directly through the ata &ources panel.
6enerating the surface in !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% first provides many benefits. Most
importantly, it allows users to combine multiple lidar data sources into one surface ob#ect prior to
e0porting and add boundary information to HcropI the area of interest to a more specific portion
of the dataset.
<nce imported, the surface created from lidar data in !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% appears
as a Terrain ob#ect in !utodes$% Infra,or$s. This allows users to apply Terrain specific
features to the data such as 6round Imagery, ;isual Effects and Terrain ThemesP all of which
would not be applicable if imported directly as a Point -loud. The terrain model can also be
used as the e0isting ground source for placement of buildings, design of proposed roads,
landscaping, and other items available through the !utodes$% Infra,or$s -reateOEdit 2eatures
toolbar.
Importing a Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D .IMX file in Autodesk InfraWorks
'. Create a new or launch an e*isting %odel in Autodes!5 Infra&or!s
.. ;pen the #ata Sources panel
". <se the #ata Source drop down list to select Autodes! IM@
6. 9avigate to $our e*ported .IM@ file fro% Autodes!5 AutoCA#5 Civil "#5 and Clic!
;pen
?. #ou0le)clic! or right)clic! the IM@ file in the #ata Sources and select Configure
C. In the IM@ ta0 of the #ata Source Configuration window, select the o0ects $ou wish to
displa$ 0$ chec!ing or un)chec!ing the corresponding 0o*es
7%ultiple o0ects will 0e listed if the Autodes!5 AutoCA#5 Civil "#5 drawing contained %ore than
one co%pati0le o0ect when the E*port .IM@ co%%and was launched
D. Clic! Close - ,efresh to update the %odel and e*it the #ata Source Configuration
window
*K

!utodes$ IM> ata &ource IM> Tab in ata &ource -onfiguration

Terrain <b#ect created from !utodes$ .IM> displayed in !utodes$% Infra,or$s
Terrain data provided by the Puget &ound Lidar -onsortium

&elect IM> &ource
ob#ects to display
*L

(orking 'ith "oint Clouds in Autodesk# AutoCAD# Civil )D#
2ollowing the Preliminary Planning 7 esign stage in !utodes$% Infra,or$s, a more detailed
design and analysis can be done using !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3%. This application
provides advanced analysis and plan production tools for the ne0t phase in our @IM ,or$flow.
2or any proposed elements created in the model, !utodes$% Infra,or$s has an option to
E0port .IM> files, which can then be imported into !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% for
continuation of the design. -ompatible proposed features created in !utodes$% Infra,or$s are
included in the e0ported IM>, and are recreated when imported into the ne0t application.
Iporting Autodesk# $eCap "oint Clouds in Autodesk# AutoCAD# Civil )D#
!lthough !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% has supported Point -louds for the past few
releases, the introduction of !utodes$% "e-ap ."-& files calls for some additional attention. In
this case, point clouds are pre:processed and edited prior to import, therefore the !utodes$%
!uto-!% -ivil 3% Q!ecc-reatePoint-loud command cannot be used with ."-& and ."-P
files.
In the ()*+ release, the standard !uto-!% command5 P,I#TCL,3D is used to attach the
."-& or ."-P file to the !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% drawing. The ob#ect appears as a
standard !uto-!% Point -loud that can be converted into a !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3%
Point -loud ob#ect. !fter conversion, !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% Point -loud commands
can be applied for assigning styles, controlling display, and generating &urface ob#ects.
Create a Point Cloud from .CS !sing t"e P#I$%C&#!D Command
'. Create a new or open an e*isting drawing
.. At the Co%%and 2ine, t$pe P;I9:C2;<# and press E9:E,
". Select the A::ACH option
6. 9avigate to $our Point Cloud .,CS or .,CP file e*ported fro% Autodes!5 ,eCap
?. Specif$ Scale, Insertion Point and ,otation Infor%ation in the Attach Point Cloud dialog
and clic! ;F

The Point -loud ob#ect appears in the drawing and includes a frame. &electing the frame in the
drawing file selects the entire ob#ect and displays the conte0tual "ibbon tab for an ob#ect
classified as a #on)Ci$il 4D Point Cloud2
()

/on:-ivil 3 Point -loud from Imported ."-& 2ile
ata &ource provided by &2- Palma, ! Troop *OK( -avalry, <regon !rmy /ational 6uard

/on:-ivil 3 Point -loud -onte0tual "ibbon
Prior to adding !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% properties to the Point -loud, standard tools
for density control, cropping, 3 ob#ect feature e0traction, and managing scan files are
available. The 5dd Ci$il 4D Pro&erties command from the conte0tual tab shown above is
used to convert the standard Point -loud to an intelligent !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% Point
-loud ob#ect.

(*

Convert a $on'Civil 3D Point Cloud to a Point Cloud #()ect in t"e Dra*ing
'. Select the 9on)Civil "# Point Cloud to access the Conte*tual ,i00on
.. In the Modif$ panel, Clic! Add Civil "# Properties
". Clic! Aes to confir%

-onverted Point -loud using the !dd -ivil 3 Properties -ommand

'pdated Point -loud -onte0tual "ibbon with Modified -ommands and
!dditional Point -loud Tools Panel

!fter conversion, the updated Point -loud has the same properties as an !utodes$%
!uto-!% -ivil 3% Point -loud ob#ect created using the 65eccCreatePointCloud command,
and points can be used to generate a &urface ob#ect in the drawing.

A!utodes$% "e-ap ."-& and ."-P files are pre:processed, and not available as source file
formats for the Q!ecc-reatePoint-loud command, similar to !uto-!% .P-6 and .I& files.

((

Creating AutoCAD Civil 3D Surfaces from Point Clouds
'. Select the Civil "# Point Cloud to access the Conte*tual ,i00on
.. In the Point Cloud :ools panel, set the desired #ensit$ value =t$ping in the value wor!s
0est>
". In the Point Cloud :ools panel, clic! Add Points to Surface
6. In the Surface ;ptions page of the Add Points to Surface dialog, specif$ the 9a%e -
St$le for the new Surface, or the E*isting Surface to add points to.
?. In the ,egion ;ptions of the Add Points to Surface dialog, specif$ the region for points
added 0$ Point Cloud E*tents, &indow selection, &indow Pol$gon selection, or ;0ect
=e*isting o0ect in the drawing>
C. Clic! Binish

!fter creating the &urface, set the Point -loud to a H/o isplayI &tyle to hide it in the drawing.
Setting t"e Point Cloud to a $o Displa+ St+le
'. Select the Civil "# Point Cloud to access the Conte*tual ,i00on
.. In the Modif$ panel, clic! Point Cloud Properties
". ;n the Infor%ation ta0, select a G9o #ispla$H st$le =a default st$le na%ed I9o#ispla$ is
included in the application>
6. Clic! ;F to e*it

!utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% &urface <b#ect generated from Point -loud

(3

1irtual Surve&ing 5sing "oint Cloud Data
!fter importing the Point -loud into !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3%, the point nodes can be
used as references for drafting and design. <ne application of this capability is virtual surveying
through creation of !utodes$% !uto-!% -ivil 3% Point <b#ects andOor 2eature Line <b#ects
based on visual inspection of the features shown in the point cloud.
In this case, the method of data collection and prior review and processing of the dataset is
e0tremely important. &caling and point density must be managed appropriately in order to
provide detail and accuracy when drafting 2eature Lines and creating Points. The /<E ob#ect
snap should also be applied to ensure that the drafted features reference actual points collected
by the scan for their location and elevations. escriptions must be applied manually during the
drafting process.
!lthough this is still a manual process, it involves less time out in the field, and also decreases
the safety ris$s involved in collecting survey data. "ather than setting up traffic control or
dodging vehicles, surveyors can set up a stationary ground mounted scanner to survey the area
for them. ,hen the scan is complete, Points and 2eatures can be added manually bac$ in the
office. 2or ideal results, a combination of conventional field survey and lidar scanning is
recommended. -onventional survey methods still need to be applied for note ta$ing and field
descriptions of observed ob#ects, while lidar scans can be used to supplement the detailed
observations where applicable.

Edge of Travel way and riveway 2eature Lines with E0isting 2M and Tree Points -reated by
using Point -loud Point /odes as drafting reference
(+

(orking 'ith "oint Clouds in Autodesk# $evit#
!long with Planners, &urveyors, &ite esigners and "oad esigners, !rchitects can also ta$e
advantage of Lidar data and Point -louds for their stage in the design process. The ability to
import scans of e0isting buildings provides a detailed dataset for as:built conditions of a
structure or area of interest. In the past, laser scanners were found mounted to airplanes, but
we now have smaller, more portable laser scanners have helped introduce this technology to
the building and construction industry. These new scanners provide high levels of detail for
both interior and e0terior spaces.
Iporting Autodesk# $eCap "oint Clouds in Autodesk# $evit#
Point -loud support has been enhanced in the ()*+ version of !utodes$% "evit% to include
!utodes$ "e-ap ."-& and ."-P files. ,e can use this to import scans of an e0isting building,
then reference the Point -loud to set Elevations, and use points within the scan for modeling.
This method is very effective for showing e0isting features in conte0t with proposed design
elements from !utodes$% "evit%.
Importing a .CS ,ile into t"e Autodesk evit Model
'. 2aunch an E*isting or Create a 9ew ,evit Proect
.. ;n the Insert ta0 of the ,i00on, Clic! Point Cloud
". Select the .,CS or .,CP file e*ported fro% Autodes!5 ,eCap
6. Clic! ;PE9

<nce loaded, the Point -loud appears in the "evit model as a single entity. 2or best results
when navigating and drafting, un:chec$ the &elect Lin$s option from the &elect panel in the
"ibbon.
AThis should be done after verification of Point -loud placement within the model.
ecommended- !n'C"eck Select &inks #ption in t"e evit Model
'. In the Select panel of the ,i00on =availa0le on %ultiple ta0s>
.. Clic! the Select panel title to e*pand
". <n)chec! Select 2in!s

If this option is left chec$ed, hovering over the Point -loud will automatically highlight the entire
ob#ect purple, ma$ing it very difficult to use as a reference in the model. 'n:chec$ing &elect
Lin$s also helps to prevent the Point -loud from being moved inadvertently while drafting.
(B

Point -loud of a Mouse Imported into !utodes$ "evit via ."-& 2ile
ataset provided by !ndrew Torgerson of &urface 7 Edge 3 Laser &canning

To finish establishing e0isting conditions, set Elevations using the Point -loud as a reference.
Setting .levations !sing t"e Point Cloud as eference
'. Switch to an Elevation 8iew
.. <se the Point Cloud co%ponents to deter%ine the proper elevations for each 2evel

A2or best accuracy, actual level heights should be field verified. In this e0ample, Level * was
set at )4:)I elevation, and the wall height was measured at L4:)I and set as the height of Level (.

Elevations set in !utodes$% "evit% 'sing Point -loud as "eference
(F

Creating 34isting Coponents 'ith "oint Clouds as $eference
<nce the Point -loud has been imported and Elevations set, designers can move on to
recreating the necessary model components. In this case, we are considering an e0tension to
the model, so only a floor, and a wall in the location of the e0tension are re?uired, however
additional features can be created as needed. !ny features left unaddressed will still be visible
since they are already represented by the Point -loud, but will not be fully interactive with other
model entities.

Import the proper !utodes$% "evit% 2amilies, and select model components based on the
e0isting structure, or planned improvements. &tandard modeling tools can be applied here to
recreate e0isting features based on their locations in the Point -loud.

Point -loud <verlaid with "evit Model -omponents
Adding "roposed !eatures to the Autodesk# $evit +odel
,ith e0isting conditions and features set in the model, designers can move on to adding the
proposed improvements. !gain, standard !utodes$% "evit modeling tools apply, however we
now have model entities constructed off of e0isting features that we can add them to.

!n e0tension to the e0isting structure will be added, including a larger floor, added walls,
windows, doors and a roof with s$ylight. ! new sliding door will also be added for outdoor
access from the e0tension.

(G

Proposed E0tension to E0isting &tructure from !utodes$% "evit% Model

Lidar and "oint Clouds: !ro Scanning to "lanning % Be&ond
In the ever:evolving world of @IM, !utodes$ continues to lead the way, providing new
applications and enhancing the e0isting capabilities of their products. In the ()*+ esign
&uites, we saw the addition of !utodes$% "e-ap, and an enhanced and re:branded !utodes$%
Infra,or$s application. In addition, point cloud processing and support has been revamped in
all products for a smoother and easier incorporation of scanned data.
@ac$ in ())L, when I did my first presentation on Lidar data here at !utodes$% 'niversity, it
was a HnewI process that not many people considered using because there wasn4t an efficient
way to handle the large datasets.
In a short four years, we have new mobile scanners and ground based scanners that provide
data at high accuracy and high speed. ,e also have the ability to not only review even larger
point clouds, but process, edit and incorporate them into our designs.
!utodes$4s release of the "e-ap Photo online service may be a hint at things to come. If we4re
already at the point where we can ta$e still photos and stitch them together to create a 3
model, why wouldn4t we be able to create a model from a recorded video9 !ren4t they after all
#ust a series of still shots strung together9
2or now we4ll #ust have to wait and see what4s in store for the ne0t evolution in @IM.
(K

Ackno'ledgeents
Than$s to all of you who attended this presentation and to those of you who may have watched
the recording or read through all (K:pages of this handout.
Than$ you to !utodes$% for hosting another e0cellent !utodes$% 'niversity and for inviting me
here to present again.
Than$s to Ideate, Inc. for providing the necessary tools and opportunities for learning about
these new products.
Than$s to !ndrew Torgerson of &urface 7 Edge 3 Laser &canning, &2- Palma, ! Troop *OK(
-avalry, <regon !rmy /ational 6uard, and the Puget &ound Lidar -onsortium for providing the
datasets used in this handout and in the presentation.

Than$s to my family for all the support throughout my career.
(L

$eferences
'. Andrew :orgerson, Principal J Surface - Edge "# 2aser Scanning
C/CE Keisler Place
2ant+ville, B.C.
8(, .H(
.. SBC Pal%a, A :roop '4E. Cavalr$, ;regon Ar%$ 9ational Kuard
Ideate, Inc. J Portland
E(? S& Broadwa$, Suite ..E(
Portland, ;, /D.(?
". :he Puget Sound 2idar Consortiu% =http144pugetsoundlidar.ess.washington.edu4>
6. recap.autodes!.co% =Autodes!5 ,eCap Photo>
?. www.autodes!.co%
C. www.autodes!.co%4products4recap4overview
D. www.autodes!.co%4suites4infrastructure)design)suite4overview
E. www.autodes!.co%4products4autodes!)infrawor!s4overview
/. www.autodes!.co%4products4autodes!)autocad)civil)"d4overview
'(. www.autodes!.co%4products4autodes!)revit)fa%il$4overview
''. www.lidar0ase%aps.org
'.. www.lidar.co%

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Lidar Data & Point Clouds: From Scanning to

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