Cyclone 3DR | Meshing strategies

Command	Description	Typical use case
Scan to Mesh	Automatically generates a textured mesh from a point cloud by generating mesh per box, according to presets defined by scanner type. Can support large a point cloud.	Used when you want a quick global mesh of a scan (objects, terrain, structures) for visualization or basic measurements.
3D Mesh	Creates a mesh from selected points or regions with more parameter control (point sampling distance, noise, triangle size, smoothing, hole handling). 3D meshing can be performed in one or more steps, particularly when a subsequent refining process is required.	Used for more controlled surface reconstruction, especially when working on specific areas. All types of applications and needs: inspection, volume, rendering, interoperability, reverse engineering…
Refine Mesh	Improves an existing mesh by adjusting triangles to better fit the related point cloud. There are two main methods refining depending on the quality of the point cloud(s): From point interpolation to get a smoother surface from noisy clouds From the points to get a surface very close to the measured model	Needed when a first mesh is too coarse or inaccurate and must better represent the scan data (improving mesh quality and esthetics before export or analysis). All types of applications and needs.
2D Mesh	Generates a mesh along a direction from point clouds, preferably all the points must be visible from the meshing direction to avoid a spiky result.	Used for flat or near-planar datasets, such as floors, terrain patches, or cross-section surfaces.
Extrude	Creates a mesh by extruding a profile or boundary along a direction.	Useful for simple geometric reconstructions like walls, barriers, or structural elements derived from scan outlines.
Spherical Mesh	Builds a mesh using a spherical projection around the scanner position.	Often used for static scan-based meshing of full environments, particularly when working directly from a single scan station.
Building Extractor	Automatically detects and reconstructs planar structures (walls, roofs, planar surfaces) from point cloud data.	Used for rapid building modeling and façade reconstruction, especially in urban or architectural scanning projects.
Convex Hull	Creates the smallest convex surface that completely encloses a set of points.	Used to define the outer boundary or envelope of a dataset (volume estimation, quick bounding geometry, simple representation of tree crown).
DTM (Digital Terrain Model)	Generates a terrain surface representing the lowest points in a given direction (usually Z), typically objects such as buildings or vegetation are removed.	Used in topographic analysis, civil engineering, and ground surface modeling.
DSM (Digital Surface Model)	Generates a surface that represents the topmost elevation of all scanned elements (ground, buildings, vegetation, structures).	Used for urban modeling, environmental studies, and surface height analysis.