Point clouds are created by 3D laser scanners. These devices measure a large number of points on the surface of an object and output a point cloud as a data file. The point cloud represents the visible surface of the object that has been scanned or digitized. Using point clouds saves redrawing a piping model, while still being able to add to it or build on top of it. When merged with digital photographs, point clouds can produce nearly photo-realistic 3D views, as shown in the example below.
CloudWorx for Smart Isometrics is an add-on for efficiently creating as-built piping isometrics from laser-scanned point cloud data using the industry-leading Isogen software. When piping isometrics are needed for inspection, maintenance, or repair activities, this add-on makes it possible to do a traditional "walk down" without leaving the office.
Pipe centerlines and diameters are automatically calculated by selecting a single point on the pipe surface. Using these construction lines and the Smart Isometrics native sketching tools, you can create intelligent as-built piping models. Leica Geosystems' CloudWorx and the powerful Cyclone™ point cloud engine let you efficiently visualize large point cloud data sets. You can create accurate 2D as-builts, check proposed designs against existing conditions, and perform critical construction and fabrication quality assurance all directly within Smart Isometrics.
To begin using the point cloud integration functionality in Smart Isometrics, you must set up at least one point cloud database. You can set up the point cloud so that it is available only on a single local computer or so that both the local and remote computers are able to access the data.
Each time that you connect to a point cloud data set, the software immediately displays it in the 3D View window. The Smart Isometrics 3D View commands allow you to navigate around the point cloud and search for an area of interest. Next, you use the Smart Isometrics standard routing and placement commands to create a sketch of the piping configuration as it appears in the point cloud.
After you have completed the basic pipeline model sketch, you must then take measurements from the point cloud and transfer them to the referenced sketch. Only a few measurements are needed because Smart Isometrics can do many of the calculations automatically. The software performs the calculations based on the defined pipeline configuration and the known dimensions for the piping components in the currently active pipe specification.
At a minimum, a single user-specified point is required on the pipe in the point cloud. The software takes this point and searches for other points in the same region that lie on the surface of the cylinder. Provided that the fit is good and the centerline is accurate, measurements can then be taken from the centerline and used to complete the referenced piping isometric sketch.
The system supports two measurement points: one that indicates the measurement start point (red), and one that indicates the measurement end point (green). These points are constrained to move on the fitted pipe centerline and are used to capture key coordinates and measurements.
Three key types of measurements can be transferred between the point cloud and the referenced sketch:
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A point or a coordinate.
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A length to an individual section of pipe.
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A length to a dimension spanning more than one component.
To transfer measurements, the software supports the methods listed below.
Drag and Drop
Transfer a value from the Point Cloud Measurements window by selecting the appropriate icon on the left side of the window, dragging it into position in the pipeline sketch, and then releasing it.
Copy and Paste
Copy a value to the clipboard by selecting the appropriate icon on the left side of the window, and then pasting it into the destination dialog box. When you copy a measurement point in this way, all three coordinate values (E/N/U) are copied to the clipboard.
To copy only one of the coordinate values, select the value, and then press CTRL+C to copy it. Alternatively, right-click the value, and select Copy in the pop-up menu.
Point Cloud Measurements window
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