Converting Between Structured and Unstructured Point Clouds

Converting between structured and unstructured point clouds is possible with specialized software. For instance, tools like Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS or Cyclone 3DR can convert structured point clouds into unstructured formats. However, converting unstructured point clouds into structured ones is more challenging and may not always be feasible. This is because after generating an unstructured point cloud (e.g., through the unification of multiple scans), it becomes difficult to determine the original scan location of each point unless the Setup index is stored as additional information. Additionally, unstructured point clouds are usually created by cleaning up the data and removing duplicates from overlapping areas, making it challenging, if not impossible, to revert them to their original structured form.

Structured and Unstructured File Formats

Examples of structured and unstructured data formats include:

• E57: both structured and unstructured

• LAS: unstructured (uncompressed)

• LAZ: unstructured (compressed version of LAS)

• LGSx: unstructured

• PTG: structured

• PTS: unstructured

• RCP: both structured and unstructured