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The value of a point cloud project comes not only from individual features, but from how capture, processing, validation, and delivery work together. SHARE PointClouds Studio V2.6 can combine manual registration, coordinate transformation, external post-processed kinematic (PPK) trajectory input, linked trajectory and photo review, Section Extraction, computer-aided design (CAD) drafting assistance, accuracy checks, and visual outputs around the project deliverable. This helps teams find issues earlier and retain reviewable intermediate results and delivery evidence.
Figure 1: Combining point cloud processing, validation, and delivery workflows around project goals.
Match the Workflow to the Project Goal
| Project goal | Recommended workflow | Application value | Observable result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Align scans from separate sessions or floors | Select the reference and target point clouds, manually pick at least three well-distributed pairs of corresponding fixed features, preview overlap and error, and save a new registered result | Confirms spatial relationships before merging or drafting and retains a clear review path | Registration rework cycles, misalignments found before CAD, pre-merge review records |
| Move a point cloud into engineering coordinates | Transform with at least three valid control points or confirmed X/Y/Z translation, rotation, and scale parameters; validate with independent check points not used in the calculation | Places the point cloud in the project coordinate framework while separating calculation points from acceptance points | Transformation residuals, 3D and elevation check results, coordinate rework cycles |
| Use an external trajectory when real-time conditions are insufficient | Generate an RTKLIB POS trajectory from rover, base, and navigation data in an external PPK tool; review continuity and solution status; use it only as the Trajectory Source in GNSS Fusion | Provides a traceable external trajectory source for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) fusion | Trajectory-source record, fixed-solution coverage, independent check-point results |
| Review capture routes and image coverage | Before leaving the site, use the SHARE Capture app to review live coverage and trajectory and recapture gaps. After reconstruction, use SHARE PointClouds Studio V2.6 for linked processed-data review; any missing field coverage may require a return visit | Finds areas that need recapture, registration, or focused inspection before delivery | Recapture count, return visits, issues found before delivery |
| Produce a series of plans, elevations, or sections | Set direction and width in Section Extraction; choose either Batch Cutting or Custom Interval; set the relevant parameters, preview, extract, then draft and review manually | Organizes repetitive section work into a consistent sequence and reduces omitted sections | Parameter-setting effort, section rework cycles, drawing returns |
| Deliver CAD handoff files | Draft with the point cloud and snapping tools, then correct, annotate, and inspect manually; CAD drawing export generates both DXF and DWG files in the exported ZIP package | Gives downstream CAD teams consistent drawing files with a reviewable point-cloud reference | Layer and annotation issues, downstream corrections, delivery disputes |
| Provide visual site review | Use 3D Gaussian splatting (3DGS) for photorealistic viewing and panorama stitching on the specified models for image-based site review | Helps stakeholders understand the space and field imagery while measurement remains anchored to the point cloud | Viewing coverage, image gaps, time required to locate issues during review |
| Build a traceable troubleshooting record | Preserve source data, project files, task status, the full software version name, parameters, and logs; retry with one variable changed or submit sanitized diagnostic material | Gives retries and technical review the context needed for efficient diagnosis | Ineffective reruns, reproduction success, diagnostic-package completeness |
Workflow Application Value from Capture to Delivery
1. Establish One Spatial Relationship Earlier
Manual corresponding-point registration supports supplemental scans, separate floors, and data collected in different sessions. These datasets must already have been planned and saved as separate field capture tasks with sufficient overlap. Post-processing registration cannot split a capture into new field tasks or restore uncaptured areas. Select stable features such as wall corners, building corners, fixed ground points, or targets. Distribute the point pairs across the overlap rather than concentrating them in one area or along one line. After reviewing overlap and error, create a separate registered result and merge only when the spatial relationship has been confirmed. This allows alignment issues to be addressed before coordinate transformation, section extraction, or CAD drafting.
2. Create a Coordinate and Accuracy Validation Loop
When engineering coordinates are required, first verify the coordinate reference, units, and X/Y/Z order, then perform the transformation. Keep control points used to calculate parameters separate from independent check points, and review both 3D and elevation errors. A POS trajectory generated by an external PPK tool can contribute to GNSS fusion, while the control strategy and independent check results remain the basis for project validation.
3. Use Section Extraction for Repetitive Drafting Tasks
The accurate sequence is:
- Open
Section Extraction, set the cutting direction, and define the width required by the project. - For evenly spaced consecutive sections, select
Batch Cuttingand setNumber of SectionsandBatch Interval. - For selected axes, chainages, or components at nonuniform positions, select
Custom Intervaland enter the custom positions. - Choose one of the two modes, complete its parameters, and preview the section locations.
- Confirm coverage, direction, count, and spacing, then extract the sections.
- Draft, correct, annotate, and review the linework manually against the point cloud.
CAD drawing export simultaneously generates drawing exchange format (DXF) and DWG files and includes both in the exported ZIP package. RVT, IFC, and complete building information modeling (BIM) models remain downstream professional workflows.
4. Give Measurement and Visual Outputs Clear Roles
3DGS supports photorealistic viewing for spatial review, communication, and presentation. Measurements, coordinate checks, and CAD drafting use the point cloud as their basis. Panorama stitching is available for the SHARE SLAM S100-32 PRO and SHARE C10-32 PRO and supports field-image review and browsing rather than measurement delivery.
Measure Workflow Value with Observable Indicators
For representative projects, track:
- Issues identified before the point cloud enters CAD;
- Manual registration, coordinate-transformation, and section-extraction rework cycles;
- Recaptures or return site visits after the team leaves the site;
- Switches to external software;
- Completeness of independent check reports;
- Ineffective reruns of failed tasks;
- Drawing returns, downstream corrections, and delivery disputes;
- Time from identifying an issue to locating the relevant trajectory, photo, or processing step.
These indicators allow teams to compare workflow performance across similar projects and focus improvement on practical steps.
Network Conditions
Without an available network, login may not complete, some advanced functions such as 3DGS may not work normally, and logs cannot be uploaded. Before starting a project, confirm account status, connectivity, and required functions. If an issue occurs, retain the source data, project files, parameters, full software version name, operating steps, and sanitized sample locally, then upload logs through the support process when connectivity is restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should separate scans be merged before or after registration? Register first. Manually select corresponding points, review overlap and error, and create a new registered result. Merge only after the spatial relationship has been confirmed, because merging does not solve alignment by itself.
How should an external PPK result be used when outdoor real-time positioning is unstable? Generate and review the RTKLIB POS trajectory in an external PPK tool, then use it only as the Trajectory Source in GNSS Fusion. Complete project validation with the control strategy and independent 3D and elevation checks.
Which mode should be used for a large set of axes or chainage sections? Use Batch Cutting for evenly spaced consecutive sections. Use Custom Interval for selected axes, chainages, or components at custom positions. Choose one mode, preview the locations, and then extract.
What does the CAD export ZIP package contain? CAD drawing export generates both DXF and DWG files and includes them in the same exported ZIP package. Review layers, line types, text, dimensions, units, coordinates, and drawing content before delivery.
What are the best uses for 3DGS, panoramas, and point clouds? Use 3DGS for photorealistic spatial viewing, panoramas from the specified models for field-image review, and point clouds for measurement, accuracy checks, and CAD drafting. Combining them by project goal supports both visual communication and engineering review.
