The analysis of 3D geometric features on point clouds by using open-source software

Abstract

The modeling of point clouds is significant for geomatics engineering and others (such as machinery and construction) engineering and architectural applications. Furthermore, 3D models, which are currently used for various engineering fields, have been increasingly crucial with the introduction of digital twins, virtual reality, 3D city modeling, reverse engineering, and metaverse recently. For this reason, the importance of 3D models is increasing more and more. Range-based modeling (e.g., laser scanning) is one of the most common approaches for generating 3D models. Also, 3D model acquisition (terrestrial and airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) or structure-from-motion (SfM)) and 2D imaging techniques are usually transformed into models such as 3D mesh and parameter surface before they are visualized or analyzed for 3D surfaces. This study analyzed 3D point cloud models obtained with terrestrial laser scanners with open source software (Cloud Compare). Also, many approaches to model extraction have been tried to obtain corner points and lines using various 3D geometric analyses.