Free Cupix Reality Importer: Import Standard Point Cloud Files Directly into Revit

Summary

Cupix Reality Importer is a free Autodesk Revit plug-in developed by Cupix Inc. that allows users to import standard point cloud files directly into Revit. It is designed to simplify scan-to-BIM workflows by removing the need to convert point cloud data into Autodesk ReCap format before bringing it into a Revit project.

Purpose and Design Intent

The main purpose of Cupix Reality Importer is to make reality-capture data easier to use inside Revit. Native Revit workflows typically rely on indexed point cloud files created through Autodesk ReCap, which can add extra conversion steps to a scan-to-BIM process. Cupix Reality Importer addresses this by supporting direct import of several standard or Cupix-specific point cloud formats, helping users move reality-capture data into Revit more quickly.

Supported File Formats

The Autodesk Marketplace listing states that the add-in supports PLY, XYZ, E57, and CPC files. CPC is Cupix’s own Cupix Point Cloud format. The plug-in imports coordinate data and color attributes when those attributes are present in the source file, helping preserve the visual and spatial usefulness of the point cloud inside Revit.

CupixWorks Alignment Data

Starting with version 1.1.1, Cupix Reality Importer supports optional automated point cloud positioning through CupixWorks alignment data. This alignment data is provided as a JSON file exported from CupixWorks. When the JSON alignment file is selected during import, the point cloud can be placed at the exact position aligned with the BIM model, eliminating the need for manual placement in many cases.

If alignment data is not provided, the point cloud is imported with its origin positioned at Revit’s internal origin. In that situation, users may need to reposition or align the point cloud manually using standard Revit tools. The alignment-data workflow is therefore most valuable when point clouds are exported from a CupixWorks project that has already been aligned to a BIM file.

Typical Workflow

A typical workflow begins in CupixWorks, where users process or manage reality-capture data and export a point cloud file. If the project includes BIM alignment, users can also export the Cupix Alignment Data JSON file. In Revit, users install the appropriate Reality Importer version, open the target Revit project, run the import command, select the point cloud file, optionally select the alignment JSON file, and import the data into the model environment.

Qbitec: Frictionless Point Clouds in Revit

Qbitec enhances Revit workflows by enabling seamless point cloud streaming, visualization, and QA/QC validation for as-built data.

It supports large point clouds from many vendors and formats without requiring file splitting, detail reduction, or local copies.

Users can stream NavVis IVION point clouds and panoramas directly into Revit, including data from public URLs.

Its Quality Analysis tools compare point clouds against Revit geometry to check flatness, deviation, tolerances, clashes, and completeness.

Visualization features such as colored X-ray views, clipping regions, custom point cloud colors, and intensity blending make it easier to inspect model conditions.

Integrated panoramas can be displayed directly in the Revit 3D view and aligned with the model.

Geo-referencing and measurement tools help users align models to real-world coordinates and place reference points from point cloud data. 

Management of huge point clouds and panorama images

BIMprove – A Free 5-Star Rated Productivity Suite

From the Autodesk App Store:

Description

1) Geometry Converter:

This tool allows you to convert any type of geometry, whether it's a family or a Generic (Model In Place), into a regular editable Autodesk® Revit® family. It's extremely useful for modeling point clouds and complex architectural forms.

Key features:

• User-friendly window interface.
• Various element selection methods.
• Table of selected content.
• Settings that can help streamline the conversion process.
• Ability to select family units (metric/imperial) and language by choosing the appropriate family template.

Geometry Converter user window.

Product Roundup – Add-ins from nCircleTech

From the Autodesk App Store:

nCircle Tech stands as a pioneering 2D/3D product development studio in the realms of AEC and Manufacturing, with a global presence spanning India, the United Kingdom (UK), and Japan. Our rich legacy, spanning over a decade, has seen us collaborating with over 100 software companies in the AEC and Manufacturing sectors, innovating more than 300 remarkable solutions.   

Since inception in 2012,nCircle Tech has been the driving force behind passionate innovators in the AEC and Manufacturing industry, empowering them to craft transformative 3D engineering and construction solutions. At the core of our success is our unwavering commitment to CAD-BIM domain expertise, enabling us to forge disruptive solutions that not only expedite time to market but also align seamlessly with our clients' business objectives. With an expert team of engineers, a robust partner ecosystem, and the wisdom of industry veterans, we are on a relentless mission to redefine the very essence of design, collaboration, and visualization. 

Our Expertise: 

• CAD - BIM Plugin development & Software Customization: design automation, workflow creation & integration into your business systems with CAD & BIM design packages.  
• Building 3D applications on Cloud, Mobile, AR/VR, Point Cloud Viewer, Digital Twin, 4D scheduling, for Construction & Engineering Industry using FORGE, ThreeJS, HOOPS communicator, ODA, etc.  
• Integration with BIM360, Procore, Egnyte, BOX, Forge, Oracle Aconex, Primavera P6, Dropbox and other construction management systems.    
• ML based solutions: ML powered Scan to BIM, ML powered cost estimation and Quantity takeoff, ML powered OCR, face recognition apps, etc.

Add-ins from nCircleTech:

BIM Connections

Updates Data in Other Services When Files are Uploaded to BIM 360

Deviation nSpector – Compare Point Cloud Deviation

From the Autodesk App Store:

Description

Quality Control (QC) is an essential phase of every project and there should be no stone unturned to ensure it is at 100%.  

What if you can automate your QC and reduce errors by up to 0% in your BIM models? 

Deviation nSpector is a one-of-its-kind plugin that allows for Deviation Analysis and Error Mapping for your point cloud.  This hassle-free plugin studies through your BIM models and identifies deviations to reduce manual errors in your QC. Deviation ranges can be configured after which analysis is done. On average, if a manual QC takes 60 minutes, with Deviation nSpector you can reduce it to 5-10 minutes. Using Deviation nSpector you can check the quality of your BIM model with 100% accuracy. 

nCircle being the first movers in automation for the AEC sector aims to create succinct systems that optimize the industry. Through Deviation nSpector, we are automating the process of Quality Assurance. Instead of a senior modeler doing the QC manually, by using Deviation nSpector you can negate or enhance this process for an error-free output. You can process selected section only as well as only the selected elements or only the visible elements.  

Do you want your BIM models to be 100% accurate? Does your team spend a lot of time in QC for BIM modeling? 

Deviation nSpector is the one for your team! 

Product Roundup – Free Apps from DiRoots

From the DiRoots website:

DiRoots Apps

DiRoots App Manager

A standalone desktop application to install/update DiRoots Applications and to enable/disable Revit Plugins.

DiRootsOne

8 Autodesk Revit Productivity Tools for Data Management, Filtering, Model Checking, Drawing Production, Point Clouds, etc. Includes SheetLink, FamilyReviser, OneFilter, TableGen, SheetGen, ReOrdering, ParaManager, PointKit.

ProSheets

Autodesk Revit Add-in to export Views and Sheets to PDF, DWG, DGN, DWF, NWC, IFC, and IMG (JPEG, PNG, TIFF).

Point Cloud Importer – Simplify the Process of Importing Point Cloud Files Into Revit

From the Autodesk App Store:

Description

The Point Cloud Importer is a revolutionary Autodesk® Revit® plugin that aims to simplify the process of importing Point Cloud files into Revit, eliminating the need for a cumbersome and time-consuming multi-step conversion process between different software tools. The Point Cloud Importer's vision is to provide an end-to-end solution directly within the Revit interface, enabling seamless integration and enhancing efficiency for architects, engineers, and designers in handling highly accurate 3D representations of real-world environments. With this plugin, users can expect improved workflow, reduced complexities, and enhanced collaboration, making point cloud handling more efficient and precise than ever before.

The plugin supports a wide range of input point cloud file formats like E57, PLY, LAS, LAZ, TXT, PTS, XYZ & PLY making it versatile and compatible with various sources. Additionally, users can effortlessly import multiple files of the same/different formats with just a single click. This plugin expands the possibilities and enables users to work with various file formats seamlessly.

The Point Cloud Importer for Revit Plugin offers expanded file format support, simplifies importing, and enhances collaboration, streamlining your Point Cloud experience. Boost productivity and efficiency within Revit with this seamless end-to-end solution. 

Read Help Document

DiRoots.One: Eight Free Bundled Productivity Tools

From the DiRoots website:

Eight Productivity Tools for Autodesk Revit.

DiRootsOne 1.0.2.0

A single application bundle that includes 8 free Autodesk Revit Plugins to boost your productivity. DiRootsOne allows seamless interoperability between our plugins, opening doors to new workflows and ways for getting your job done faster and better.

One Bundle, 8 Free Revit Plugins to make your life easier.

SheetLink

Export your Revit model data (by categories, elements, schedules) to Excel and Google Sheets. Edit the data and import it back to update the model.

MORE DETAILS

PointCloud to Surface Suite

From the Autodesk App Store:

Description

PointCloud to Surface Suite has been designed for surveyors, architects, builders and developers working on as-built projects. It reads laser scan data captured onsite and imported into Autodesk® Revit®, streamlining the workflow needed to create complex surfaces in a BIM project to match as-built conditions.

Works with both structured and unstructured point cloud instances. Supports shared co-ordinate models.

The 14 Tools include:

Surface from Point Cloud Selection: This allows you to draw a selection box around the points of interest then select whether they should be mapped as either a topography, floor or roof element. For roofs and floors, you can select the build type and level for the new element. The section box can be used to filter out points on a broad scale, so by working in 3d view the section box in conjunction with the user drawn selection box allows very specific filtering of points to be added to each new element.

Surface from adaptive points: Reads all adaptive points from your document and creates a new topography, floor or roof element mapped to those points. This takes advantage of adaptive point ability to snap to pointclouds since Revit 2011.

Add Adaptive Points to Existing surface: Reads all adaptive points from your document and adds them to the existing topography, floor or roof element of your choosing.

Wall Tool: Mark out your wall lines with adaptive points that snap to the point cloud then use the wall tool to create straight or curved walls that align to your marks.

Model Lines: Mark out your lines with adaptive points that snap to the point cloud then use the Model Lines tool to create straight or Model Lines that align to your marks.

PointCloud to Surface

From the Autodesk App Store:

Description

PLEASE BE AWARE WE ARE NO LONGER PROVIDING UPDATES FOR THIS APP - IF YOU ARE RUNNING REVIT 2020 OR LATER PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE POINTCLOUD TO SURFACE SUITE WHICH IS OUR CURRENT VERSION AND INCLUDES AN UPDATED VERSION OF THIS PLUGIN + OTHER USEFUL TOOLS

DOWNLOAD THE SUITE HERE

Work directly in Autodesk® Revit® with Pointcloud instances to create topo, floor, and roof elements that accurately match the original pointcloud data. Offers a decimation slider so that you can choose how many points are used to make the new surface element, for either high accuracy or high speed depending on your requirements.

This app has been designed for surveyors, architects, builders, and developers working on as-built projects. It reads laser scan data captured onsite and imported into Revit, automating the tedious process of manual point entry needed to create complex surfaces in a BIM model.

The app allows you to draw a selection box around the points of interest then select whether they should be mapped as either a topo, floor, or roof element. For roofs and floors, you can select the build type and level for the new element. 

The section box can be used to filter out points on a broad scale, so by working in 3D view the section box in conjunction with the user drawn selection box allows very specific filtering of points to be added to each new element.

Works with both structured and unstructured pointcloud instances. Supports shared co-ordinate models.

Note: App must be purchased with the same Autodesk account which is used to log in to Revit or the App will not run.

Free PointKit — Boost Productivity when Working with Point Clouds

From the DiRoots website:

PointKit 1.0.0.0

A free Autodesk Revit Add-in to boost your productivity when working with Point Clouds.

XYZ to Roof

From the Autodesk App Store:

Description

XYZ to Roof takes point data from CSV files and creates new roof elements in minutes - with surfaces that accurately match existing point cloud images.

The plugin takes your data captured from the site and creates a roof element via an import of a CSV file. You can use Pointcloud data, GNSS or Total station points to create an accurate roof. It supports original scan data taken in both metrics (m) and imperial units (ft).

This app has been designed to help Surveyors, Engineers, Architects, 3D Autodesk® Revit® Modellers, and 3D Laser scanning technicians. It imports as-built conditions from site to office, automating the tedious manual input of surface points within a roof element.

To Use this app, insert your pointcloud (rcs or rcp) to Revit as "Auto Origin to Origin" via the existing Revit Insert Tab if required.

Prepare your roof point data into a CSV file in the numerical format of (E-value), (N-value), (Z-value). Find XYZ to Roof on the add-ins tab and click the button to load CSV into XYZ to Roof - it will create a new structural roof that accurately matches your point cloud image. Roof boundaries will need some manual adjustment. The app will prompt you for which Revit layer to add the roof to, so by creating a layer close to the desired level less adjustment will be required.

Free OnboxApp – Topo, Building and Grid Tools

From the Autodesk App Store:

Originally created in 2014 as a collection of macros to improve and speed up workflows for multi-story buildings, it had its first public release in September 2016 as an Autodesk® Revit® application. It became very popular in Brazil and other countries like Spain, Mexico, and Portugal, helping AEC students and professionals across 39 different countries to be more productive and efficient.

The tool is available in English or Brazilian Portuguese depending on the language of Revit that you have launched.

The Slope Grading Command

Undet for Autodesk® Revit® – Point Cloud Software

From the Autodesk App Store:

Undet for Autodesk® Revit® generates raster image views from point cloud directly in Revit. Raster images are lighter than point cloud.

It allows us to increase Revit performance. Coloring modes and resolution settings allow us to increase visibility.

Scan to BIM – Pipe Extraction

Editor's Note: This add-in is not to be confused with IMAGINiT's add-in of the same name, which has been discontinued.

From the Scan to BIM website:

Scan To BIM

Pipe extraction from point cloud Revit add-in

The most affordable pipe extraction solution at only $49/month.

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.

NavVis IndoorViewer Add-In for Autodesk® Revit®

From the Autodesk App Store:

NavVis provides an all-in-one reality capture solution that captures and visualizes indoor environments during the construction and operational phases. With NavVis IndoorViewer add-in for Autodesk® Revit®, NavVis users can now improve BIM workflows by connecting Revit models to 360° immersive imagery and point clouds that display the current state of the building. With this add-in, users can:

• Create BIM models faster
• Compare as-built with as-is
• Spot differences visually
• Verify measurements remotely
• Collaborate with stakeholders online

NavVis IndoorViewer

From the NavVis website:

INDOORVIEWER

YOUR DIGITAL BUILDING

INTERACT, SHARE, AND COLLABORATE ON ANY DEVICE

IMMERSIVE 3D BUILDINGS

Explore the indoors with a fully immersive 3D walkthrough. The NavVis IndoorViewer is browser-based software that visualizes building data as high resolution images. Now anyone can access and interact with building data.

STREAM POINT CLOUDS ON ANY DEVICE

Powerful, browser-based point cloud streaming lets you access building data on any device. Use the point cloud to inspect the building and even take precise measurements. If you have already captured data with other devices, you can import it to the IndoorViewer. Both indoor and outdoor datasets are supported.

Site Scan Integration for BIM 360

From the Autodesk App Store:

3DR is a Silicon Valley based aerial imaging company with deep roots in the drone revolution. Founded in 2008, 3DR has evolved the drone industry from DIY to consumer, and now to commercial adoption. 3DR is the maker of Site Scan, the complete drone solution for AEC. Site Scan allows customers to capture aerial images of complex job sites with fully autonomous flight modes and generate maps, models, point clouds, and videos. Customers perform QA, progress tracking, bidding, and client relationship management through the Site Scan platform.

BIM360 customers can pull their projects and plan files into Site Scan and overlay the files onto orthomosaic and topographic maps. Anytime a plan file is updated in BIM360, Site Scan will sync with your account to make sure decisions are being made using the most recent plans. This is the fastest way to compare your team's progress against the plan and create issues and RFIs. This supercharges your BIM models with actionable, up-to-date decision making.

Import plan files from BIM 360 to Site Scan and overlay them on your orthomosaics.

Scan Terrain – Create Topo Surfaces from Point Clouds

From the Autodesk App Store:

Scan Terrain will create an Autodesk® Revit® Toposurface from a laser scanned point cloud. Options are available to set the point spacing and to isolate the ground surface. When Isolating the ground surface, parameters are available to specify if the ground surface is flat, hilly, or mountainous and if the terrain has steps or steep slopes. These parameters help to ensure the ground surface is calculated correctly. There is also a command to add Toposurface points from the point cloud to an existing Toposurface with the option to delete the existing points in the area of newly added points.

The ground surface isolated from the point cloud.