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Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Pointfuse for BIM 360 – Convert Point Clouds to Mesh Models

From the Autodesk App Store:

Pointfuse bridges the gap between reality capture and digital construction. It automatically converts point cloud data from laser scanners or photogrammetry into intelligent as-built mesh models that can be classified and used throughout the Autodesk® BIM 360® environment.

Pointfuse is unique in automatically segmenting the mesh into discrete, selectable surfaces, by identifying objects based on their geometry and assigning unique identifiers to them. Removing the human aspect of the modelling process eliminates a significant bottleneck, while also removing any chance of subjectivity, producing consistent results. This makes Pointfuse models repeatable and directly comparable - ideal characteristics for accurate project validation.

Pointfuse provides:
  • Automation
  • Segmentation
  • Auto-classification

These models, which are highly optimised, reduce the size of working data by a factor of up to 100. The models are then significantly easier to use and share compared with the original point cloud.

Pointfuse imports point cloud data from laser scanning,
photogrammetry and hand-held scanners.

Automatic segmentation of the mesh into discrete, selectable surfaces.

Pointfuse allows you to connect and export directly to your
BIM 360 account in a variety of formats.

View Pointfuse models in BIM 360, classified geometry
is retained in FBX and IFC exported data.

Access models in BIM 360 directly on your mobile device.



Classifying Pointfuse Segmented Mesh
After converting point data to a segmented mesh model, you can select and classify groups of objects within Pointfuse. Do this to isolate features, such as walls, floors, pipework or steel frames. When exported using the industry standard IFC or FBX formats, the intelligent mesh model maintains this classification, making it easily recognisable within BIM 360 and Autodesk® Navisworks®.

Relevant features, such as walls and floors or installed pipework
and steel frames can be classified in Pointfuse.

The benefit is that only those objects that are most relevant will be uploaded and shared, eliminating unnecessary data transfer and making production of the final model significantly quicker and easier. Using Pointfuse, you can achieve accurate, highly detailed models, in useful data formats, that are ready to use in just a few hours.

You can then upload them to BIM 360 or export to files on your PC, as DAE, DXF, FBX, IFC, NWC, OBJ, SKP, or STL.

Reality Modelling for Autodesk BIM 360
Pointfuse models can be uploaded directly to BIM 360, providing an easy route for as-built data to enter the collaborative environment. Reality models have a significantly smaller file size than point clouds, so upload speed and bandwidth requirements are less. From BIM 360, the models can be easily accessed by all parties, either on a desktop or by mobile, meaning reality models are now available to anyone at any time.

Next Steps in Workflow
Pointfuse provides as-built models for:
  • Clash Detection
  • Effective Scheduling
  • Construction Verification and Audits

Clash Detection
The ability to classify objects within Pointfuse, both automatically and manually, has had a huge impact on how as-built data is used within the construction workflow. Being able to quickly compare specific as-built objects and designs without having to run clash detection on a full model or point cloud, saves both processing time and human hours, reducing the number of false and irrelevant clashes.

Effective Scheduling
One of the key benefits of digital construction techniques is the ability to add 4th-dimensional information to elements within a model. This extra level of detail contains information about lead-in, construction and operational times, the sequence in which components should be installed, as well as dependencies across the whole project.

As-built data can be combined with Autodesk® Revit® design models for every stage of the construction process so that a change analysis can be performed, and progress can be accurately monitored. Regions where construction has fallen behind schedule, can then be easily identified. This information can be sent to planners so that updates to the schedule can be implemented in real time and projects can to run smoothly.

Construction Verification and Audits
In addition to providing information for the construction planners, these regular as-built models can be used for verification and audits, by providing a geometrically accurate snapshot of every stage of the construction process. Effective scheduling means that as elements are installed, an as-built model is produced, so construction can be precisely reported. Crucially, this means that any errors or alterations can be identified and rectified early on - before construction has moved on beyond the point of easy repair.

Trial Description

This is a free trial version of Pointfuse. You have access to all of the functionality of the licensed version. Your trial period expires after 30 days or 3 exports. You can purchase a Pointfuse license here.

Read Help Document

About This Version

Version 3.4, 6/19/2018 – BIM 360 Export is introduced.



Pointfuse is brought to you by Pointfuse Limited. It's priced as follows:


This add-in is compatible with BIM 360 Docs and BIM 360 Team.

There's more information available on the Autodesk App Store.

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