1.Click on “File” —> “Interoperability” —> “Import Point Clouds”

2.Browse for the location of the point cloud and select a file.  Set file type to .e57.

3.Click Open

4.“Create Point Cloud Objects” dialog box appears —> The new Point Cloud object (listed in the dialog box) will be created an LCF file and saved in the linked library shown in the path field. Create a folder for the LCF file. NOTE: in order to re-link the Point Cloud you need to locate the LCF file.

5.Object name: Enter a name for the newly created Point Cloud object.

6.Do one of the following: Click “Create” to create the Point Cloud file(s) and object without placing them.

7.Click ”Create and Place” if you want to place the objects now

8.If you choose Create and Place, the Place Point Clouds dialog box appears. Select “Place point cloud at project origin” or “Place the location manually” (you will click on the location to place). Also, select a home storey for the point cloud object.

9.Click OK

  • The Point Cloud is created as an Object

  • Go to Object Settings. Under “Custom Settings”, tick the box next to “Override Floor Plan Display Range”

  • Set the “Top Plane Height” and “Bottom Plane Height” to a smaller range to improve performance

  • This also allows you to control what is visible on the Floor Plan View – set higher cut planes for walls, lower cut planes to see kitchen cabinetry, etc.

  • Next, go to Elevation view and align the Point Cloud with your Storey Levels

Tips and Tricks

  • Limit the displayed range of the Point Cloud on the floor plan in settings.

  • Set up extra Elevation and Section markers, Views and Layer combinations for viewing and working with the point cloud

  • Limit the view range of these Elevation and Section markers to improve performance (In settings, set “Horizontal Range” from “Infinite” to “Limited”)

  • Create a layer for the Point Cloud object and lock it to prevent moving it accidentally while working

  • Trying using lines/polylines to create a line drawing before modelling with the Wall tool

  • Click on already opened View tabs instead of using the Navigator (this may allow you to load views faster).

  • When determining what wall type to model, keep in mind finishes that may make the walls thicker than the underlying structure i.e. plasterboard on studs, render on brick veneer, etc. 

    Use the “Measure” tool to measure wall thickness and work out wall thickness minus any finishes e.g. a Point Cloud wall measuring 110mm thick is likely to be a 90mm stud with 10mm of plasterboard on each side.

    When placing walls, hold shift to keep the wall extending at a 90-degree angle. Try disabling “Snap Guides and Points” if they are interfering.

    Type in the length of the wall to get a desired length, then press TAB to type in an angle if needed