User Manual PointCab 2

Transcription

1 User Manual PointCab 2

2 Table of Contents Welcome! 4 What's new? 5 Automatic tile size 5 Elevation map creator 5 LSE Converter 5 Relative paths in DXF files 5 SketchUp plug-in with planar support 5 Scale bar transparency 5 File names for sections 5 Support for selecting multiple FWS files 5 Sketch Tool with step system 5 Reseller and University Licenses in tiles 5 Basic understanding of laser scanners 6 Basic understanding of point clouds 7 Two- and three-dimensional coordinate systems 7 Fundamentals of point clouds 8 LSE Converter 9 How to activate the LSE Converter 9 How to create a DXF and/or a Collada file 9 General information 10 Layout Tool 10 Section Tool 10 Web Export Tool 10 Layout Tool 12 How to activate the Layout Tool 12 How to create a simple layout 12 How to fine tune a layout 12 Section Tool 14 How to activate the Section Tool 14 How to create a simple section 14 How to create additional sections 14 How to fine tune a section 15 How to fine tune a section with the Attribute Editor 15 Section parameters 16 Section orientation 16 Section duplication 18 Web Export Tool 19 How to activate the Web Export Tool 19 How to create a simple HTML or PDF output

3 How to fine tune an HTML/PDF output 19 How to add useful information to an HTML/PDF output 20 Project settings 21 How to activate the Project settings 21 Output 22 Image resolution 22 Tile size 22 Scan radius 22 Image file format 22 Elevation map 23 Background color 23 Intensity 24 Color 26 DXF file 26 DXF with relative path 26 Collada file 26 Web Export 26 Template 26 Paper size 26 Paper DPI 27 Markers 27 Names 27 Infos 27 Batch List 28 How to activate the Batch List 28 How to use the Batch List 28 How to copy/delete/move existing layouts/sections/web exports 28 Batch List settings for layouts/sections 29 Batch List settings for web export output 31 Compatible software products 33 How to use PointCab results 33 PointCab and AutoCAD 34 Important notes 34 How to use PointCab results with AutoCAD 34 PointCab and Bricscad 35 How to use PointCab results with Bricscad 35 PointCab and DraftSight 36 How to use PointCab results with DraftSight 36 PointCab and Google SketchUp 37 Important notes

4 How to use PointCab results with Google SketchUp 37 How to install the Google SketchUp Scripts 37 Technical support 38 EU and rest of the world 38 United States 38 Company and contact information 39 Company information 39 Contact information 39 Copyright

5 Welcome! We are happy and proud that you want to use PointCab for your daily workflow. PointCab is the fastest laser scanning software for the analysis and interpretation of laser scanning data (FARO, Leica, Riegl, Z+F, etc.). PointCab results are compatible with all common CAD software solutions. For the first time, you can print or plot plans for the construction site and share it via USB and CD-R with your customers and partners. PointCab is modularly constructed and can be extended any time

6 What's new? The following changes have been made to PointCab Version 2 Release 8. Automatic tile size The setting Tile size in the Project settings window has now a new value (auto). This value is the default value for this setting. If this value is selected, PointCab automatically creates images (tiles) of 1000x1000 pixels. However, the tile size can still be dimensioned manually. Elevation map creator An elevation map will be generated while the layout is being created if (and only if) the setting Elevation map is set to "auto" (if the Volume/Layout 2.5 Tool is installed) or "on." LSE Converter The LSE Converter is a handy tool for creating DXF files and Collada files. It is particularly useful when it comes to sharing and copying files because relative paths saved in DXF files may not work on other computer systems and must be recreated. The LSE Converter is a free tool that is available in all current PointCab versions and fully workable in (expired) PointCab trial versions. Relative paths in DXF files DXF files can now be created with absolute paths because of shortcomings of some CAD tools with regard to relative paths in DXF files. This setting is available in the Project settings window. SketchUp plug-in with planar support The SketchUp plug-in now supports the options "Planar" and "Planar & Origin." Scale bar transparency The scale bar in the Merger Tool will now be displayed with a transparent background. File names for sections Sections created in the Section Tool are displayed with their corresponding file names. Support for selecting multiple FWS files Multiple FWS files can now be selected at once with the Layout Tool. Sketch Tool with step system The Sketch Tool has been equipped with the usual step system that can be found in the Layout Tool, Section Tool, etc. Reseller and University Licenses in tiles The Reseller License and the new University License are shown in the tile in the left bottom corner

7 Basic understanding of laser scanners A laser scanner, or 3D scanner, is a high-tech device analyzing real-world objects to collect data on its shape and other values (e. g. color). The collected data is represented by a point cloud, which can be used to create three-dimensional models

8 Basic understanding of point clouds Two- and three-dimensional coordinate systems A two-dimensional coordinate system is a system which uses two numbers, or coordinates, to uniquely determine the position of a point. The point is usually defined by x and y coordinates. Figure 1: A two-dimensional coordinate system with a point at x=4 and y=3. Within a three-dimensional coordinate system, another axis is added. Here, vertices are usually defined by x, y, and z coordinates. Figure 2: A three-dimensional coordinate system that represents points by x, y, and z

9 Fundamentals of point clouds A point cloud is a set of points, or vertices, in a three-dimensional coordinate system. Usually, a point cloud contains a very large number of points, which are most often created by 3D scanners. All points are represented by x, y, and z coordinates. Additionally, all points may save other values, such as intensity

10 LSE Converter The LSE Converter is a handy tool for creating DXF files and Collada files. It is particularly useful when it comes to sharing and copying files because absolute or relative paths saved in DXF files may not work on other computer systems and must be recreated. The LSE Converter is a free tool that is available in all current PointCab versions and fully workable in (expired) PointCab trial versions. How to activate the LSE Converter You can activate the LSE Converter by performing the following step: Click on FILE FREE LSE CONVERTER to activate the LSE Converter. LSE Converter How to create a DXF and/or a Collada file The LSE Converter has a 3 step system, making it easy for you to create accurate and fast results. To create a DXF and/or a Collada file, follow these steps: 1. Click on FILE FREE LSE CONVERTER to activate the LSE Converter. 2. Click on the button ADD LAYOUT FILE, and specify the layout (LSE file) to be added to the list. Hold down CTRL (or SHIFT) to select multiple entries or click several times on the button ADD LAYO UT FILE to add several files. 3. Click on the radio button DXF FILE if you want to create a DXF file with absolute paths. Click on the radio button COLLADA FILE if you want to create a DAE file (Collada). 4. Click on the button CREATE FILES to create the file/s

11 General information PointCab is modularly constructed and can be configured to your specific needs. PointCab can have one or several of the following modules, which are called Tools in PointCab. Layout Tool The Layout Tool lets you create a simple and easily understandable layout, or floor plan, from millions of points that can be found in a laser scanning point cloud. To activate the Layout Tool, click on in the toolbar. Layout Tool Section Tool With the Section Tool you can immediately determine one or any desired sections. The generation of the single sections ensues automatically. To activate the Section Tool, click on in the toolbar. Section Tool Web Export Tool The Web Export Tool allows you to easily create PDF or HTML files of your point clouds, containing plans, panoramic views, and other useful information. That way, you can share your

12 laser scanning projects and point clouds with colleagues and clients (e.g. via CD, DVD, USB, Internet). Web Export Tool

13 Layout Tool The Layout Tool will give you the possibility to easily transform your scan project, or point cloud, into a layout, or floor plan, and import it into your familiar CAD software, where you can use it according to your needs. How to activate the Layout Tool You can activate the Layout Tool in three different ways: Click on in the toolbar to activate the Layout Tool. Click on TOOLS LAYOUT TOOL to activate the Layout Tool. Click on FILE OPEN SCAN PROJECT IN LAYOUT TOOL to open a scan project with the Layout Tool. How to create a simple layout The Layout Tool has a 2 step system, making it easy for you to create accurate and fast results. To create a simple layout with the default settings, follow these steps: 1. Click on in the toolbar to activate the Layout Tool. 2. Click on the button OPEN SCAN PROJECT, and specify the scan project to be opened. Currently, PointCab supports the following formats: FARO Workspace (*.fws; *.lsproj), Riegl (*.rsp), Leica (*.ptg), Z+F (*.zfs; *.zfprj), laser scanning data exchange format (*.ptx). Hold down CTRL (or SHIFT) to select multiple entries. 3. Click on the button SAVE LAYOUT FILE, and specify the name and the path of the layout to be saved. 4. Click on in the toolbar to create the layout. The layout created by the Layout Tool can then be used for various purposes and in different software applications. Refer to Compatible software products for detailed information on how to use the layout in various CAD software products. Furthermore, you can use the Section Tool to create cross-sectional views or façade plans. Video Open the link to watch the video: How to fine tune a layout Different laser scanners and various applications will require special layouts. That way, you will be able to analyze a scan project as quickly as possible. You can fine tune a layout in two different ways: Click on in the toolbar to activate the Batch List, and start adjusting the settings according to your needs. Refer to Batch List and Project settings for detailed information on how to use these settings. Click on OPTIONS PREFERENCES, and start adjusting the settings according to your needs. Refer to Batch List and Project settings for detailed information on how to use these settings. To fine tune and create a layout with the Batch List, follow these steps:

14 1. Click on in the toolbar to activate the Layout Tool. 2. Click on the button OPEN SCAN PROJECT, and specify the scan project to be opened. 3. Click on the button SAVE LAYOUT FILE, and specify the name and the path of the layout to be saved. 4. Click on in the toolbar to activate the Batch List. 5. Adjust the settings according to your needs. 6. Click on in the toolbar to create the layout. If you want to create several layouts with the same settings, it would be advisable to modify the project settings (default settings). Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to modify these settings

15 Section Tool The Section Tool will give you the possibility to easily create sections. You can create cross-sectional views and import them into your familiar CAD software, where you can use them according to your needs. To use the Section Tool, it is necessary to first create a layout with the Layout Tool. The Section Tool can then be used to create cross-sectional views or façade plans. How to activate the Section Tool You can activate the Section Tool in three different ways: Click on in the toolbar to activate the Section Tool. Click on TOOLS SECTION TOOL to activate the Section Tool. Click on FILE OPEN LAYOUT FILE IN SECTION TOOL to open a layout with the Section Tool. How to create a simple section The Section Tool has a 2 step system, making it easy for you to create accurate and fast results. To create a simple section with the default settings, follow these steps: 1. Click on in the toolbar to activate the Section Tool. 2. Click on the button OPEN LAYOUT FILE, and specify the layout file to be opened. Point- Cab supports the LSE file format (*.lse). 3. Click on in the left toolbar, and start creating a section by defining the start and end points of the section. 4. Click on the button SAVE SECTION FILE, and specify the name and the path of the section to be saved. 5. Click on in the toolbar to activate the Batch List. 6. Click on in the toolbar to start processing all jobs including the section. The section created by the Section Tool can then be used for various purposes and in different software applications. Refer to Compatible software products for detailed information on how to use the section in various CAD software products. Video Open the link to watch the video: How to create additional sections To create additional sections, follow these steps: 1. Make sure that the Section Tool is activated. If not, click on in the toolbar to activate the Section Tool. 2. Make sure that the correct layout is displayed. If not, please see How to create a simple section, and follow all steps. 3. Click on in the left toolbar, and start creating a section by defining the start and end points of the section. 4. Press 's', and specify the name and the path of the section to be saved. 5. Repeat step 3 and 4 to add another section

16 6. Click on in the toolbar to activate the Batch List. 7. Click on in the toolbar to start processing all jobs including the sections. How to fine tune a section Different laser scanners and various applications will require special cross-sectional views. That way, you will be able to analyze a scan project as quickly as possible. You can fine tune a section in three different ways: Click on in the toolbar to activate the Batch List, and start adjusting the settings according to your needs. Refer to Batch List and Project settings for detailed information on how to use these settings. Click on OPTIONS PREFERENCES, and start adjusting the settings according to your needs. Refer to Batch List and Project settings for detailed information on how to use these settings. Click on the small arrow on the right to open the Attribute Editor, and start adjusting the settings according to your needs. How to fine tune a section with the Attribute Editor The Attribute Editor allows you to fine tune a section with a more flexible approach. The Attribute Editor is grouped into three different categories: Section parameters Section orientation Section duplication

17 Attribute Editor Section parameters Left point: Right point: Center: Angle: Section domain: The x and y coordinates (local or global) of the left point of the section selected. The x and y coordinates (local or global) of the right point of the section selected. The x and y coordinates (local or global) of the center of the section selected. The angle of the section selected. The area that is used to create the cross-sectional view. All points of a point cloud within this domain are used to create the cross-sectional view. Section orientation Restrictions: The limits when the section selected is adjusted. Restrictions are FRE E, X, Y, and STRE TCH

18 Free X Y

19 Stretch Flip: The button FLIP allows you to change the direction of projection. The direction of projection must be well configured. If not, you will create a mirrored cross-sectional view. Section duplication Parallel offset: Duplication number: Naming scheme: Start number: PointCab lets you create several sections at once. Parallel offset is the distance between each section that you want to create automatically. The number (or amount) of section duplications to be created. The scheme of the naming convention for the file name. The value specifying the start value of the counter. The value is added to each section (file name) and increased by one

20 Web Export Tool The Web Export Tool allows you to create impressive documentation and all kinds of other results from your laser scanning projects. The PointCab Web Export Tool lets you create plan views, layouts, floor maps, façade plans, orthophotos, and panoramic views that are stored in PDF and HTML files for easy file sharing. How to activate the Web Export Tool You can activate the Web Export Tool in three different ways: Click on in the toolbar to activate the Web Export Tool. Click on TOOLS WEB EXPORT TOOL to activate the Web Export Tool. Click on FILE OPEN LAYOUT FILE IN WEB EXPORT TOOL to open a layout with the Web Export Tool. How to create a simple HTML or PDF output The Web Export Tool has a 3 step system, making it easy for you to create accurate and fast results. To create a simple HTML or PDF documentation with the default settings, follow these steps: 1. Click on in the toolbar to activate the Web Export Tool. 2. Choose your desired output format. Select the radio button HTML if you want to create an HTML file. Select the radio button PDF if you want to create a PDF file. 3. Click on the button OPEN LAYOUT FILE, and specify the layout to be opened. 4. Click on the button SAVE HTML FILE or SAVE PDF FILE, and specify the name and the path of the HTML/PDF file to be saved. 5. Click on in the toolbar to create the HTML/PDF file. The file/s created can then be opened with the preferred software application (e.g. Adobe Reader [PDF] or Mozilla Firefox [HTML]). Please note that the max. resolution depends on the resolution of the layout (LSE file). Video (HTML) Open the link to watch the video: Video (PDF) Open the link to watch the video: How to fine tune an HTML/PDF output More often than not, you want to fine tune the output to satisfy your demands or those of customers and colleagues. You can fine tune an HTML/PDF file in three different ways: Use the options in the Web Export Tool at the right side. Refer to Batch List and Project settings for detailed information on how to use these settings

21 Click on in the toolbar to activate the Batch List, and start adjusting the settings according to your needs. Refer to Batch List and Project settings for detailed information on how to use these settings. Click on OPTIONS PREFERENCES, and start adjusting the settings according to your needs. Refer to Batch List and Project settings for detailed information on how to use these settings. How to add useful information to an HTML/PDF output You may also want to add useful information. To add useful information to a simple HTML or PDF documentation with the default settings, follow these steps: 1. Click on in the toolbar to activate the Web Export Tool. 2. Choose your desired output format. Select the radio button HTML if you want to create an HTML file. Select the radio button PDF if you want to create a PDF file. 3. Click on the button OPEN LAYOUT FILE, and specify the layout to be opened. 4. Add useful information (e.g. name of the project, dates of the scans) by entering data in the text field. 5. Click on the button SAVE HTML FILE or SAVE PDF FILE, and specify the name and the path of the HTML/PDF file to be saved. 6. Click on in the toolbar to create the HTML/PDF file. You can add the following information to your HTML/PDF output. Project name: Acquisition team: Acquisition dates: Logo: Comments: The name of the laser scanning project. The name/s of the team that has realized the survey/scan. The dates on which the survey/scan has been realized. Your company logo. You can add a JPG file or a PNG file. Comments and other useful notes on this project

22 Project settings The Project settings window will give you the possibility to easily modify the default settings in order to fine tune layouts and sections to your specific needs. Layouts and sections that you create are added to the Batch List with the project settings (default settings). How to activate the Project settings You can activate the Project settings by performing the following step: Click on OPTIONS PREFERENCES to activate the Project settings window. Project settings Project settings are grouped into three different categories: Output Web Export Volume/Layout

23 Output Image resolution Image resolution describes the detail of an image (layout, section). The resolution of an image created by PointCab ranges from 2mm to 10cm (depending on the tile size of the image). The value 2mm means that 2mm in the real world is represented by one pixel in the image. The value 10cm means that 10cm in the real world is represented by one pixel in the image. Consequently, you can determine the detail of an image very easily. 2mm: very high quality of the image 1cm: medium quality of the image 10cm: very low quality of the image If your laser scanner has an accuracy of only 1cm, you will have to adjust the resolution to max. 1cm in PointCab because PointCab uses raw laser scanner data, that is, there will be no improvement of accuracy in the image. Consequently, your laser scanner limits the accuracy of PointCab images. Furthermore, please note that the higher the detail of the image, the more processing power is needed. Tile size The tile size is the size of images in the results folder (Layout_results) created by PointCab. The tile size is more or less adjusted automatically. When you define the setting Image resolution, the value of the setting Tile size will be adjusted to optimize memory consumption and to limit memory usage. The following combinations are possible: Image resolution of 2mm: 2m, 10m Image resolution of 5mm: 5m, 10m, 20m Image resolution of 1cm: 10m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 50m Image resolution of 2cm: 20m, 30m, 40m, 100m Image resolution of 5cm: 50m, 100m Image resolution of 10cm: 100m, 500m You may also want to select the value "auto." This value, which is the default value, will always create tiles with a resolution of 1000x1000 pixels. Scan radius Refer to Batch List for detailed information on how to use this setting. Image file format PointCab supports different file formats to provide a very flexible workflow. If, for example, your CAD tool does not support PNG files, you can change the file format to TIFF, BMP or JPG. Point- Cab supports the following file formats: PNG (Portable Network Graphics) JPG (almost Lossless Mode) TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) BMP (Bitmap)

24 We recommend using PNG, as it provides the best compression rate without decreasing the quality. Elevation map If this drop-down list is set to "auto", PointCab creates an elevation map to the corresponding layout if (and only if) the Volume/Layout 2.5 Tool is installed on your computer system. However, if you do not have the Volume/Layout 2.5 Tool installed, you can activate (select "on") or deactivate (select "off") it to enable or disable the creation of an elevation map. The elevation map files (QDIM files) can be found in the target directory (results directory). Background color You can change the background color of images created by PointCab to match the background color that you use in your preferred CAD tool. Image colors will also be changed. You can choose between the following colors: White white black

25 Black Intensity Laser scanners not only collect x, y and z coordinates of real objects, but they also collect data of the reflectivity. Different materials will have a different reflectivity. This setting will either provide considerably sharper edges (0%) or make various materials easier to differentiate (100%). This comes in handy when you cannot use the color camera of the laser scanner because lighting conditions are poor. It is also very useful for 3D modeling

26 Intensity = 0% Intensity = 100%

27 Color PointCab allows you to use the color information collected by the laser scanner. That way, you are able to use full color information (100%) or no color information (0%) for better comprehensibility. Color images are very useful when it comes to presentations. Example DXF file DXF files are very convenient when it comes to importing layouts and sections into CAD or 3D software products. If you set this checkbox, PointCab creates a DXF file with absolute paths, which can then be used to easily import the layout/section into a CAD or 3D software product. DXF with relative path Relative paths in a DXF file are very useful if you want to copy the directory to another place on your computer or if you want to share PointCab results with clients and colleagues via USB, DVD, etc. However, some CAD and 3D software products do not support DXF files containing relative paths. In this case, you must disable this setting, and your client or colleague must use the free LSE Converter to recreate DXF files with absolute paths on their own computers. Collada file Collada files are also very convenient. This format, however, is not supported by all CAD and 3D software products; a tool that supports Collada files is Trimble SketchUp. If you set this checkbox, PointCab creates a DAE file, which can then be used to easily import the layout/section into a CAD or 3D software product. Web Export Template Every HTML file created is based on an HTML template. PointCab features only one default template. You can, however, create other templates or ask Laserscanning Europe GmbH to create a template (featuring your logo, colors, etc.) for you. Normally, you will find the template directory here: C:\Program Files\Laserscanning-Europe\PointCab\plugins\htmlexport Paper size This setting determines the paper size (paper format). You can choose between multiple paper sizes: A0 (largest paper size) A1 A2-26 -

28 A3 A4 A5 (smallest paper size) Paper DPI This setting determines the quality of the images. The higher the value, the higher the image quality (printing quality). You can choose one of the following values: 75 DPI (low quality) 150 DPI 300 DPI 600 DPI (high quality) If you intend to print the PDF file, you should use at least 300 DPI. Please note, however, that the file size will dramatically increase with higher quality. Markers If you want to display the scan positions of your project, check this checkbox. Names If you want to display the names of the scan positions of your project, check this checkbox. Infos If you want to display additional scan information of your project, check this checkbox

29 Batch List The Batch List enables you to perform batch processing and to create layouts and cross-sectional views with different settings in a very short time as well as web exports and merged layouts. Consequently, it is no longer necessary to process each different layout (or section, web export, etc.) manually. Batch processing saves you huge amounts of time when large numbers of different outputs (layouts, sections, web exports, etc.) are to be created. How to activate the Batch List You can activate the Batch List in two different ways: Click on in the toolbar to activate the Batch List. Click on TOOLS BATCH LIST to activate the Batch List. Batch List How to use the Batch List The Batch List contains layouts, sections, and web exports (HTML/PDF files) you added with the Layout Tool, the Section Tool, the Web Export Tool, and the Merger Tool. To create layouts, sections, web exports, and merged layouts with the Batch List, follow these steps: 1. Add as much layouts, sections, and web export outputs as you want with the Layout Tool, the Section Tool, the Web Export Tool, and the Merger Tool. 2. Click on in the toolbar to activate the Batch List. 3. Adjust the settings according to your needs. You will be able to adjust the resolution, the color, the file format, etc. for each layout/section/web export. 4. Click on in the toolbar to create the layouts, sections, web exports, and merged layouts in the Batch List. How to copy/delete/move existing layouts/sections/web exports To copy, delete, or move layouts, sections, and web exports in the Batch List, follow these steps: 1. Go to the layout, section, or web export you want to copy, delete, or move. 2. Click the right mouse button. 3. Choose one of the following items

30 Click on REMOVE JOB # to delete the layout, section, or web export. Click on REMOVE ALL JOBS to delete all layouts, sections, or web exports. Click on COPY JOB # to copy the layout, section, or web export. Click on MOVE DOWN to move the layout, section, or web export down in the list. Click on MOVE UP to move the layout, section, or web export up in the list. Example Batch List settings for layouts/sections The Batch List is organized into rows and columns. A layout or a section is represented by a row. A row is called "Job." The settings of the layout or section (or job) are represented by columns, which are described below. Job: Name: Scanner positions: Resolution: Tile size: Scan radius: The name (type) of the layout or section that cannot be changed. The name is created by PointCab. The file name of the layout or section. The positions of the laser scanner(s). The scanner positions can be selected or deselected. If a scanner position is deselected, the point cloud created at this position is not taken into account. PointCab only processes point clouds (scanner positions) that has been selected. Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this setting. Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this setting. PointCab will only process points within a specific area around the center of every laser scanner position (point cloud). This area is defined by the setting Scan radius. The setting Scan radius must be adjusted to suit the laser scanning project. If the setting Scan radius is too small, the result will be empty areas. If the value is too big, distortion of points will take place

31 Scan radius (too small) Scan radius (correct) Intensity: Color: Lower clipping plane & Upper clipping plane: Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this setting. Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this setting. PointCab processes points of a point cloud that are situated between these values. If you want to create a layout of the first floor and the second floor, you can easily determine the clipping planes. In the example below, the clipping planes for the first floor are C and B; the clipping planes for the second floor are B and A. When it comes to the Section Tool, you can think of them as the front and rear clipping plane of a given section

32 Example Image format: Background color: Special: Scan project path: Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this setting. Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this setting. The coordinates that are saved in the DXF file. Only use if you use 2D designer or CAD software. The path and the file name of the laser scanning project (point clouds) that is used to create layouts and sections. Batch List settings for web export output The Batch List is organized into rows and columns. A web export is represented by a row. A row is called "Job." The settings of the web export (or job) are represented by columns, which are described below. Job: Layout: Panorama: Template: Paper size: The name (type) of the web export that cannot be changed. The name is created by PointCab. The path to the layout that is used to create the web export output. The positions of the laser scanner(s) for the panoramic views. The scanner positions can be selected or deselected. If a scanner position is deselected, the panoramic view for this position will not be created. Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this setting. Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this set

33 Paper DPI: Markers: Infos: Names: Output: ting. Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this setting. Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this setting. Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this setting. Refer to Project settings for detailed information on how to use this setting. The path and the name of the web export output

34 Compatible software products PointCab has been designed to work standalone as well as with other software products on the market. More often than not, you will use PointCab's Layout Tool and Section Tool to analyze and process your scan project, or point cloud. In general, all CAD or 3D software products that allow DXF or image import are compatible with PointCab. Below is a list of software products that are fully compatible with PointCab. Click the link of the software product that you want to use with PointCab. Autodesk AutoCAD Bricscad DraftSight Google SketchUp If you want to use PointCab with a software that is not mentioned above, visit for other compatible software products. It may also be helpful to read the points below. How to use PointCab results PointCab creates the following directories and files: A DXF file that contains coordinates and links to the images (tiles). Importing this file into your CAD software is the fastest way to import all images (tiles) at once. An LSE file that can be used in PointCab's Tools and in other ways (e.g. PointCab's plug-in for Google SketchUp ). Open this file in the Section Tool to create cross-sectional views or façade plans. A directory named Layout_info containing an overview image of the whole project, an overview image that shows the scanner positions, and a text file that contains coordinates of the tiles (images) and other important information. A directory named Layout_results that contains the tiles (images). If you do not possess a CAD software that supports DXF files, you will have to import these image files manually

35 PointCab and AutoCAD Important notes There are some AutoCAD versions where images (DXF files) created with PointCab cannot be imported. This is a known bug that was reported to Autodesk. If you own such a version, the workaround is very simple. Opening the DXF file once again will solve the problem. Alternatively, you might want to use the free AutoCAD plug-in. Video Open the link to watch the video: AutoCAD plug-in Open the link to download the free AutoCAD plug-in: How to use PointCab results with AutoCAD To use PointCab results with AutoCAD, follow these steps: 1. Open AutoCAD. 2. Click on the button OPEN in AutoCAD. 3. Select the DXF file created with PointCab. 4. Click on the button O PE N to open the layout/section created by PointCab. Video Open the link to watch the video:

36 PointCab and Bricscad How to use PointCab results with Bricscad To use PointCab results with Bricscad, follow these steps: 1. Open Bricscad. 2. Click on the FILE OPEN in Bricscad. 3. Select the DXF file created with PointCab. 4. Click on the button O PE N to open the layout/section created by PointCab. Video Open the link to watch the video:

37 PointCab and DraftSight How to use PointCab results with DraftSight To use PointCab results with DraftSight, follow these steps: 1. Open DraftSight. 2. Click on FILE OPEN in DraftSight. 3. Select the DXF file created with PointCab. 4. Click on the button O PE N to open the layout/section created by PointCab. Video Open the link to watch the video:

38 PointCab and Google SketchUp Important notes If an image has a very high resolution, Google SketchUp will automatically reduce the resolution of the image. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to make sure that an image s resolution (setting Tile size) is in proportion to its size. The right proportion between image resolution and image size (tile size) is as follows: image size (in meters) / image resolution <= 1000 pixels Example for good resolution Image resolution: 0.005m Tile size: 5m Proportion: 5m/0.005m = 1000 (Image has a resolution of 1000x1000 pixels. It will appear sharp in SketchUp.) Example for bad resolution Image resolution: 0.005m Tile size: 10m Proportion: 10m/0.005m = 2000 (Image has a resolution of 2000x2000 pixels. It will appear blurred in SketchUp.) How to use PointCab results with Google SketchUp To use PointCab results with Google SketchUp, follow these steps: 1. Make sure that the Google SketchUp Scripts have been installed successfully. 2. Open Google SketchUp. 3. Click on in the Google SketchUp toolbar. 4. Select the DXF file created with PointCab. 5. Click on the button O PE N to open the layout/section created by PointCab. Video Open the link to watch the video: How to install the Google SketchUp Scripts The free Google SketchUp Scripts enables you to import PointCab results in one click. To install the Google SketchUp Scripts, follow these steps: 1. Open PointCab. 2. Click on OPTIONS PLUGINS INSTALL SKETCHUP SCRIPTS to install the Google SketchUp Scripts

39 Technical support If you have difficulties or problems in using PointCab, you can contact our Technical support team. EU and rest of the world Phone: United States Phone: or 9laser

40 Company and contact information Company information Our business segments: 3D Laser Scanner Rental Service Online Shop for 3D Laser Scanning Hard-, Software and Accessories Consulting and Training for the Utilization of the 3D Laser Scanning Technology (preparation, scanning, registration and data processing) Information Platform for 3D Laser Scanning Contact information Phone: +49 (0) Fax: +49 (0) Internet: Address: Laserscanning Europe GmbH Sandtorstrasse Magdeburg Germany

41 Copyright 2012 Laserscanning Europe GmbH All rights reserved. Product and company names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. The author assumes no responsibility with regard to the performance or use of these products. All understandings, agreements, or warranties, if any, take place directly between the vendors and the prospective users. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. The author is not responsible for printing or clerical errors. The product described in this manual incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights