Open point cloud(s)

NEW: With NUBIGON v620, we now support classified point clouds in LAS and LAZ formats.

When opening point clouds for the first time, NUBIGON generates a highly efficient data structure (octree) and completes processing tasks for better visual quality and performance. This only needs to be done once. In subsequent instances, you’ll be able to open the octree instantaneously regardless of data volume.

Step 1: Pick dataset from File > Open Point Cloud(s)

To open point clouds, press File > Open Point Cloud(s) and choose point cloud file(s).

NUBIGON currently supports E57, LAS, LAZ, XYZ, TXT, PTS, RCS, and RCP files.  

When opening XYZ, TXT, and PTS files, you will first be prompted to verify the channels in the ASCII file dialogue. If necessary, make adjustments and press OK. 

Step 2: Configure Octree Generation Settings

Next, you will be prompted with the following Octree Generation Settings:

Octree name

(optional) You can change the name of the octree file.

Offset type

NUBIGON utilizes a local coordinate system for efficient GPU use but always preserves the original coordinates of your data. The drop-down menu Offset type provides three options: Origin, Reference, and User.

• If your data has large coordinates, offset to the Origin to avoid display artifacts.
• To apply the offset vector of another point cloud, choose Reference and select the relevant point cloud. The default of this parameter is the Last point cloud you opened, but from the drop-down, you can choose any other octree already open in the scene. See this article to learn how to open multiple point clouds of the same site and use the Reference option.
  
• Choose User to apply a custom offset vector.

If your point cloud is georeferenced, you must use the Offset type: Origin. The Offset type: User (0,0,0) will create visual artefacts.

Advanced

• Read intensity: If selected, the intensity values of the point cloud will be preserved.
• Compute normals: Select this option for enhanced visual quality and precision.
• Smoothness: This parameter controls the roughness of the generated model. Higher values produce more smooth models.
• Color size: Some 3rd party software packages incorrectly export LAS files with 8-bit colors instead of 16-bit (as outlined in the LAS specs). NUBIGON automatically detects the bit depth of the stored color values by default. If the resulting octree is still colorless, regenerate the octree by choosing the 8-bit option. 
• Read classification: If the input LAS or LAZ file(s) contain classification values, choose this option to separate the point cloud into many smaller point clouds, each representing a different class.
  

Step 3: Explore Object Inspector

Once the octree generation is complete, it will appear in the viewport and be listed in the Object List. 

You can toggle the eye icon  to hide or show the octree in the viewport. Selecting the octree allows you to view and edit its various attributes in the Object Inspector.

Transform Attributes

You can modify the object's translation, rotation, and scaling parameters in the Transform Attributes section. Any transformations made using manipulators will also be reflected here. 

Object Attributes

Expand the Object Attributes section to view details such as: 

• Number of points: The total number of points included in the octree
• Availability of normal vectors: These are either calculated during octree generation (see above) or read from third-party sources. 
• Availability of intensity values: If the original point cloud contains intensity values and Read intensity is enabled in the advanced settings, they will be available in the octree.
• Offset vector: This is the offset applied during octree generation. Properly opened point clouds from the same site and coordinate system should have the same offset vector. 

Material Attributes

When you open a point cloud, a material is automatically generated and assigned to it. In the Material Attributes section, you can view and edit these material settings. Additionally, you can create and reassign materials to point clouds from here.

Color SourceExpand the Color Source section to adjust the colorization method of the point cloud.

Learn more about point cloud display modes and color sources. 

Any remaining questions? Check out our FAQ on opening point clouds.