The Interface

Menu: Analyze / Surface by sections

The Surface by Sections tool provides a structured approach for vectorizing buildings and other structures from point clouds. This module enables users to create vertical sectional views, apply customized templates, and export vectorized data in various formats for CAD and GIS applications.

The interface consists of five main sections:

1. Name – Assign a name for the extracted surface.

2. Bounding Box – Define the area to be vectorized.

3. Sections – Manage sectional views.

4. Template – Apply vectorization templates.

5. Drawing & Exporting – Finalize and export the results.

1. Naming the Surface

✔ Name – Enter a name for the generated surface.
✔ This name will be used in exports (DXF, SHP, CSV, etc.).

2. Bounding Box Setup

The bounding box defines the limits for vectorization. Only the points inside the box will be considered.

Bounding Box Controls

✔ Modify – Allows adjustments to the bounding box (must delete existing sections first).
✔ Show/Hide – Toggle visibility of the bounding box.
✔ Hide Out – Hides points outside the bounding box for better focus.
✔ Length & Width – Define the dimensions of the bounding box.
✔ Height – Determines the vertical extent (affects Min/Max Elevation values).
✔ Center – Select a center point on the point cloud using the “…” button.
✔ Min/Max Elevation – Adjusts elevation range (linked to Height field).
✔ Move – Adjusts the center of the bounding box.
✔ Rotate – Rotates the bounding box for better alignment with the structure.
✔ Thickness – Sets the thickness of sectional views (smaller values recommended).
✔ Step – Defines the interval between sections (default spacing).

3. Managing Sections

The Sections panel allows users to create, navigate, and edit cross-sections.

✔ Create All Sections – Generates sections along an alignment using the step interval.
✔ Detect – Automatically detects and outlines the building.
✔ Settings (… Icon) – Adjust parameters for automatic detection.
✔ Perpendicular View Icon – Aligns the secondary view perpendicular to the section.
✔ Pick New Section – Selects a point in the point cloud to create a custom section.
✔ Edit Points – Allows moving vectorized points using CTRL + Click.
✔ Previous/Next Section – Navigate through sections (CTRL+1 and CTRL+2 shortcuts available).
✔ Manual Section Input – Enter a station value to jump to an existing or new section.

4. Using Templates

A template defines the shape of vectorized elements. Users can apply, save, and edit templates to automate the vectorization process.

✔ Open Template – Load a previously saved template.
✔ Save Template – Store the current template for future use.
✔ Insert Before/After – Add empty points within the template.
✔ Pick and Add – Select points in the secondary view and append them to the template.
✔ Pick and Insert – Select points and insert them between two existing template points.
✔ Closed Checkbox – Closes the template by linking the first and last points.
✔ Update Section – Apply the current template to a specific section.

5. Drawing & Exporting Results

Once the sections and templates are finalized, users can draw, save, and export the vectorized results.

✔ Draw Sections – Renders sections in the main view.
✔ Erase Sections – Removes displayed sections.
✔ Create Surface – Generates a surface in the Objects tab of the Explorer.
✔ Erase Surface – Deletes the surface from the Explorer.
✔ Save – Stores the results as CSV or TXT for reuse.
✔ Load – Loads an existing CSV or JSON file to restore stations and templates.
✔ Export – Saves the surface as DXF, SHP, GeoJSON, KML, or MapInfo format.
✔ Close – Closes the Surface by Sections tool.

6. Key Benefits of the Surface by Sections Tool

✔ Automated & Manual Section Creation – Supports both automatic detection and manual customization.
✔ Customizable Vectorization Templates – Saves time by applying reusable templates.
✔ Precision Control – Modify section spacing, bounding box orientation, and vectorized points.
✔ Seamless CAD/GIS Export – Easily integrate vectorized elements into AutoCAD, GIS, and BIM software.

🚀 Transform Point Clouds into Accurate Vector Data!

With Surface by Sections, users can efficiently extract, vectorize, and export building structures and other objects from LiDAR point clouds, ensuring seamless integration into CAD and GIS workflows. 🏗️✨