Inserting a Point Cloud File

Insert an indexed point cloud file into a Revit project or convert a raw format point cloud file to the .pcg indexed format.

1. Open the Revit project.
2. Click Insert tabLink panel (Point Cloud).
3. Specify the file to link, as follows:
   • For Look in, navigate to the location of the file.
   • For Files of type, select one of the following options:
     • Autodesk Indexed Point Clouds: Pick a file with .pcg extension.
     • Raw Formats: Pick a file with extension .fls, .fws, .las, .ptg, .pts, .ptx, .xyb, or .xyz to automatically launch an indexing application that will convert the raw file to .pcg format.

       NoteAfter the indexed file is created, you must use the Point Cloud tool again to insert the file.

     • All Files: Pick a file with any extension.
   • For File name, select the file or specify the name of the file.
4. For Positioning, select:
   • Auto - Center to Center: Revit places the center of the point cloud at the center of the model. The center of a model is calculated by finding the center of a bounding box around the model. If most of the model is not visible, this center point may not be visible in the current view. To make the point visible in the current view, set the zoom to Zoom View to Fit. This centers the view on the Revit model.
   • Auto - Origin to Origin: Revit places the point cloud's world origin at the Revit project's internal origin. If the point cloud has been drawn at a large distance from its origin, it may display at a large distance from the model. To test this, set the zoom to Zoom View to Fit.
   • Auto - By Shared Coordinates: Revit places the point cloud according to its position with respect to the shared coordinates between the Revit project and the point cloud file. See Shared Positioning.
   • Auto - Origin to Last Placed: Revit places the next imported point cloud consistently with the previously imported point cloud. Selecting this option helps align multiple point clouds created on the same site with consistent coordinates.
5. Click Open.

   For .pcg format files, Revit retrieves the current version of the point cloud file and links it to the project.

6. For raw format files:
   1. Click Yes to have Revit create an indexed (.pcg) file.
   2. When the indexing process is complete, click Close.
   3. Use the Point Cloud tool again to insert the new indexed file.

The cloud is visible in all views except drafting and schedule views.