How to Import a Point Cloud into AutoCAD

A point cloud is a representation of an object or surface created by combining millions of points in space, acquired using 3D laser scanners. Designers confirm how important it is to obtain a point cloud: it is a useful tool for recreating, in a virtual environment, the structure of an industrial plant or of the individual scanned components.

Once the surveying process is complete, you obtain a clear and complete three-dimensional model, including RGB values, which color the points and provide a graphic representation that is faithful to reality.

After completing the scanning phase, all the data relating to the acquired point cloud will be available. You will simply need to check that there are no alignment errors and save the file with the .RCP extension, Autodesk’s proprietary format specifically designed for point cloud data, which combines the different scans of the plant.

The scan files obtained with the laser scanner must then be aligned through the point set registration process, which makes it possible to merge them and generate the final point cloud.

Let’s look at the ideal workflow to import point cloud into AutoCAD and manage the point cloud correctly.

Scan to CAD workflow

The result of scanning an industrial plant with a 3D laser scanner is a file containing all the data collected. Laser scanner software allows you to save a document with the .RCP extension, making it possible to use it in AutoCAD and in the main software solutions for industrial plant design.

In addition, PDF reports can be exported to highlight any acquisition errors and overlaps between the individual scanned sections.

Modern software for industrial plant design also includes features that allow integration with point clouds. ESAIN’s 3D piping software is an example: it makes it possible to obtain a precise and detailed survey of the plant and of each individual component.

Let’s now look at the recommended workflow to import a point cloud in AutoCAD and obtain a 3D model of the plant.

• Laser scanner and Point Cloud.Once the laser scanner survey has been completed, it is possible to save the point cloud and open it with Autodesk ReCap — short for Reality Capture — a program that allows users to view and manage point clouds, convert raw scan data into .RCS scan files and create .RCP project files. These .RCP files can also reference multiple .RCS files.
• AutoCAD.The generated .RCP file can be imported into AutoCAD. Latest-generation industrial plant design software, such as ESAin’s 3D Piping Software, also allows hybrid plant modelling by combining the AutoCAD point cloud with vector elements, which can then be saved or imported into other software programs.
• Point cloud to DWG file for Navisworks Manage.AutoCAD produces a file with a .DWG extension, which can be viewed using Navisworks. With Navisworks, users can take plant measurements, divide the plant into individual sections and query each object in the model.
• Merging the .RCP file with the .DWG file. Finally, Autodesk Navisworks Manage is used to merge the .RCP file with the .DWG file created in AutoCAD and then export an .NWD file, which can be used for Model Review.

This workflow supports the transition from point cloud to 3D model, and more specifically from point cloud to 3D model AutoCAD, within an industrial plant design process.

Main features of software for point cloud management

After looking at the procedure that allows us to import and edit a point cloud in AutoCAD and reconstruct a complete industrial plant, let’s now look at the main features of the software programs mentioned above for managing point clouds.

• Autodesk ReCap is the software that allows designers and engineers to acquire detailed models of real objects. It is also used to create meshes and point clouds to support BIM (Building Information Modeling) as well as surveying and construction projects for buildings and infrastructure.

  It includes specific features for point cloud management, such as fast navigation within the points, advanced editing to modify them, support for bubble views (spheres that allow users to observe the plant in detail) and tools for taking measurements.

A screenshot of Autodesk ReCap

• AutoCAD is the well-known technical drawing software distributed by Autodesk, used to design 2D geometries and 3D models and to automate part of the work carried out by design teams.

  The software allows users to add 3D geometries to the AutoCAD point cloud imported into AutoCAD. It also makes it possible to attach a point cloud in AutoCAD, crop the volumes of areas that are not relevant, make a cloud transparent and use dedicated point cloud snaps. This is one of the key steps when you need to import point cloud into AutoCAD and use the scan data as a reference for plant modelling.

A screenshot of Autodesk AutoCAD

• Navisworks Manage is the software used to improve the delivery of BIM projects. It allows users to view and combine design data into a single model.

  It is used to view plant CAD models, manage the point cloud, add 3D models to point clouds previously imported into AutoCAD, take measurements and check for clashes between a cloud and a model.

A screenshot of Autodesk Navisworks Manage