User Story: Innovative Road Surveying with 3D Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, and 3D Printing

USER STORY

Innovative Road Surveying with 3D Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, and 3D Printing

Contents

What it’s about?
Project start: planning and preparation
Two methods, one goal: laser scanning meets drone
Data fusion and processing: from raw data chaos to point cloud
Analysis and profile creation with pointcab origins
From cross-section to physical model: further dtm processing
Additional evaluation: virtual tour and plan drawings
Conclusion: clear planning, efficient workflow
Project participants

WHAT IT'S ABOUT?

For his thesis in Civil Engineering (Infrastructure) at DHBW Mosbach, Maximus König relied on a modern, combined workflow for as-built documentation.

The project goal was clearly defined: to create an accurate, digitally viable documentation of an existing retaining wall along the L172 through-road in the Hammereisenbach district. In addition to digital plans, a physical 3D model was to be produced as a demonstration object.

The approach: combining modern technologies such as terrestrial laser scanning, drone photogrammetry, point cloud processing, and 3D printing.

PROJECT START: PLANNING AND PREPARATION

Before starting with the data collection, Maximus established a control point network. This served both for the positioning of the terrestrial laser scanner and the georeferenced evaluation of the drone imagery. With this setup, the foundation was laid to merge both measurement technologies and align their data with precise coordinates.

TWO METHODS, ONE GOAL: LASER SCANNING MEETS DRONE

The survey combined terrestrial laser scanning with photogrammetric drone flights:

The Trimble SX12, a highly precise terrestrial laser scanner, provided detailed point cloud data of the retaining wall area and the surrounding roadway.
In parallel, a drone survey was conducted with the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise. Through photogrammetric processing, another point cloud was generated.

The drone flight took only about 20 minutes, while the terrestrial scanning – requiring multiple setups – lasted around three hours.

DATA FUSION AND PROCESSING: FROM RAW DATA CHAOS TO POINT CLOUD

After completing the fieldwork, the captured data was processed in PIX4Dmapper, which took about one hour. This included:

Georeferencing the drone images using the previously placed control points,
Generating a point cloud from the orthophotos, and
Merging the drone and laser scan data into one precise, unified point cloud.

This combined point cloud then served as the basis for all further steps.

ANALYSIS AND PROFILE CREATION WITH POINTCAB ORIGINS

The unified point cloud was imported into PointCab Origins, where Maximus first created an overhead view and then derived cross-sections and profiles.

The integrated vectorization tools were especially useful: they allowed for the fast creation of linework, which could be exported directly as DXF files. These DXFs were then used in other CAD programs – for plan generation or for building a digital terrain model (DTM).

Processing in PointCab Origins took about four hours in total. The efficiency and precision in creating profiles proved particularly valuable.

FROM CROSS-SECTION TO PHYSICAL MODEL: FURTHER DTM PROCESSING

Next, the exported DXF profiles were imported into RIB Civil, where Maximus created a digital terrain model (DTM) of the surveyed area. This model was then transferred into SketchUp and merged into a solid body with a closed surface.

The final preparation of the 3D model for printing was done in Bambu Studio, where it was converted into the required STL format. The 3D print itself marked the grand finale: a tangible model of the roadway section – ideal for presentations and discussions with project stakeholders.

ADDITIONAL EVALUATION: VIRTUAL TOUR AND PLAN DRAWINGS

Using Trimble Business Center, Maximus created a virtual walkthrough of the point cloud, which took about one hour. This type of visualization offers an intuitive look at the structure and can be used for public participation or planning workshops.

For those looking for a simpler, location-independent way to view point clouds, PointCab Nebula provides an alternative. While it cannot generate flythroughs, the cloud platform makes it easy to view and share large point cloud datasets directly in a web browser – perfect for project teams or clients.

Additionally, the cross-sections generated in PointCab were imported into AutoCAD to create traditional plan drawings for the project documentation. This step took about six hours but delivered professional results fully comparable to standard CAD plans.

CONCLUSION: CLEAR PLANNING, EFFICIENT WORKFLOW

With his project, Maximus König demonstrated impressively how modern surveying methods and software tools can be combined effectively, from data acquisition to analysis and visualization. The key to success lay in carefully planning the workflow and using specialized software for each step.

Maximus looks back and reflects:

“Creating a plan at the beginning and mapping out which software is needed for which task and goal saves an enormous amount of time.”

His project proves:
with a well-thought-out workflow and the right tools, even complex infrastructure projects can be digitally captured efficiently, precisely, and presented in a way that is both clear and engaging.

Project Participants

The project was carried out by Maximus König as part of his final thesis, “Innovative Road Surveying with 3D Laser Scanning.”

University: DHBW Mosbach
Degree Program: Civil Engineering (Infrastructure)

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How to import your point cloud into Origins from Trimble X9

HOW TO IMPORT YOUR POINT CLOUD FROM TRIMBLE X9 INTO ORIGINS

Struggling to import your point clouds from your Trimble X9 laser scanner into PointCab Origins?
Don’t worry, we’ll fix that with one setting.

Empty results from X9 point cloud data in Origins?

What’s the cause of the problem?

Trimble scans contain empty rows and columns, creating a “checkerboard pattern” in the data.

This can cause points to be removed by the neighborhood filter, which eliminates points that are too far apart.

Don’t worry, we’ll fix that now!

Easy fix: Change your import settings

How to change the settings?

Select the desired e57 scans.
Go to “Advanced“ → “Single point filter distance” and set the value to 0.0.

The result:

Fixed!

With the correct settings, the data from the Trimble X9 scanner is displayed properly.

In both the standard top view and the panorama, everything now appears as it should.

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The Origins of Laser Scanning Part 3

Part 3: Nowadays

3D Laser Scanning as an Everyday Tool in the Digital World

Where does laser scanning come from? Who invented it?
How has laser scanning been used over the past decades up to today?

Our series “The origins of laser scanning” gets to the bottom of these questions and provides answers about this fascinating technology, which by now is hardly imaginable to live without in our everyday lives.

Technological maturity from 2005 onwards

From the mid-2000s, scanners with integrated compensators came onto the market. These automatically balanced inclinations and significantly increased measurement accuracy. Pioneers included manufacturers such as Leica Geosystems and Trimble.

From specialized device to standard tool

Today, 3D laser scanning is an integral part of construction, industrial applications, and heritage conservation. With stationary, mobile, or drone-based systems, buildings, facilities, and entire cities can be captured in three dimensions.

BIM and digital workflows

The captured point clouds flow directly into CAD and BIM systems. AI-based processes often take over automatic model generation and analysis. This saves time and reduces errors.

BIM – Building Information Modeling

BIM is a working method in which all relevant building data is digitally recorded, combined, and networked. Laser scanning provides the precise geometry data that forms the basis for digital planning.

Diverse applications

Architecture & as-built documentation
Reverse engineering & quality assurance
Environmental and climate research
(e.g., glacier observation, coastal changes)
Security and surveillance technology
Traffic and urban planning

Software as the key

Raw data alone has no added value – only with specialized software such as PointCab Origins can millions of points be turned into understandable, usable results. The software is compatible with all common CAD and BIM systems and translates complex data into tangible information.

Did you know…?

… modern LiDAR systems today can capture up to 2 million measurement points per second – and detect details such as individual leaves on a tree or cables in an industrial facility?

That was the last part of our series.

Curious for more? We regularly publish articles on our blog. Stay tuned!

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The Origins of Laser Scanning Part 2

Part 2 – From the Laboratory to Everyday Life

LiDAR Conquers Industry & Research

Where does laser scanning come from? Who invented it?
How has laser scanning been used over the past decades up to today?

Our series “The origins of laser scanning” gets to the bottom of these questions and provides answers about this fascinating technology, which by now is hardly imaginable to live without in our everyday lives.

From research to application

Parallel to military and scientific use, the first industrial systems emerged in the 1970s. The Italian company DEA developed a 3-axis coordinate measuring machine that set new standards in physical object measurement.

In 1972, students at the University of Utah used this technology to digitally measure a car – a VW Beetle – for the first time using an algorithm.

Point Cloud – the digital image of reality

A point cloud is a collection of millions of individual measurement points in space. Each point has an exact position (x, y, z) and often additional information such as color or intensity. Together, they form an accurate 3D model of the captured scene.

New fields of application in the 1980s

In 1984, the first stripe-based laser scanner was developed to create a 3D image of the human head. This technology was mainly used for animation and was a precursor to modern 3D scanning methods in film, medicine, and gaming.

The 1990s: The market opens up

In 1992, Trimble (then Mensi) launched the S-series – 3D laser scanners for industrial applications. In 1993, the first commercially usable scanners followed.

The portable breakthrough

In 1996, Cyra Technologies developed the Cyrax, the first portable 3D laser scanner designed for architects, engineers, and surveyors. A few years later, Leica Geosystems acquired the company and established itself as one of the leading manufacturers.

Did you know…?

… the first portable 3D laser scanner (Cyrax, 1996) was as big as a briefcase – and yet replaced entire teams in many surveying projects?

Here’s what’s coming next:

In the next part of our series, we will look at 3D laser scanning as an everyday tool in the digital world from the 2000s up to today.

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The Origins of Laser Scanning

Part 1 – Birth of a Technology

From Laser Flashes to Point Clouds

Where does laser scanning come from? Who invented it?
How has laser scanning been used over the past decades up to today?

Our series “The origins of laser scanning” gets to the bottom of these questions and provides answers about this fascinating technology, which by now is hardly imaginable to live without in our everyday lives.

A laser, a flight to the Moon – and the start of a revolution in surveying technology

In 1960, US physicist Theodore Maiman at the Hughes Research Laboratories developed the first functional laser. It was based on a ruby crystal and marked the starting point for a new era of measurement and sensor technology.

Theodore Maiman invented the laser because he wanted to transfer the principle of the maser to light instead of microwaves. Despite initial rejection from his superiors, he continued the research on his own initiative under the threat of being fired. Practical applications were initially unclear – Maiman himself called the laser “a solution looking for a problem.”

On May 16, 1960, Theodore Maiman and Charles Asawa built the first functional ruby laser. Despite the initial rejection, Maiman was given a limited budget and published his results in August 1960 in the journal Nature. The invention spread quickly, but his employer remained skeptical. In 1962, Maiman therefore founded the Korad Corporation; the US patent followed in 1967.

Fun Fact:

The “father of the laser” Theodore Maiman never received the Nobel Prize – but in the year 2000, his own invention was used to perform laser surgery on him in Munich.

Just one year after Maiman’s development of the laser, Hughes Aircraft Company built the first LiDAR prototype (Light Detection and Ranging).
The principle: Short laser pulses are emitted, hit a target, and reflect back. From the time the light takes for the round trip, the distance can be calculated.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. A device emits laser pulses and measures the time until the light is reflected from the target. This makes it possible to determine distances and structures precisely – often with millimeter accuracy.

Military beginnings

As early as the 1950s, the US military experimented with optical measuring devices – an early precursor of today’s LiDAR systems. In the 1960s, LiDAR was initially used for military terrain mapping and reconnaissance.

Apollo 15 – LiDAR in space

In 1971, LiDAR experienced its international breakthrough: NASA used the technology on the Apollo 15 mission to map the surface of the Moon. Using a flashlamp-pumped ruby laser, thousands of measurements of the lunar topography were carried out from orbit.

Slow development until the 1980s

Use in aerospace grew in the 1970s, for example for topographic mapping of landscapes, ice sheets, oceans, and the atmosphere. Only with the availability of commercial GPS systems and improved satellite communication in the 1980s did LiDAR become practical for more precise and efficient airborne measurements.

Did you know…?

… the Apollo 15 mission in 1971 used LiDAR to measure the Moon’s surface from orbit? This made LiDAR the first laser-based measuring method in space.

Here’s what’s coming next:

In the next part of our series, we will look at the transition from research to the practical use of LiDAR technologies in the decades up to the late 1990s.

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A New Chapter for PointCab: Welcome Eric Bergholz as CEO

A New Chapter for PointCab:

Welcome Eric Bergholz as CEO

With the passing of our beloved CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Richard Steffen, PointCab has lost not only an exceptional leader but also a dear friend.

Yet even in the face of this loss, Richard made sure that the company he built with so much passion would continue to thrive.

It was his wish that Eric Bergholz take over the role of CEO and lead PointCab into the future.

Eric is closely connected to PointCab’s story. As CEO of Laserscanning Europe, our sister company, he was directly involved in the creation of the very first version of PointCab Origins. He also provides extensive experience and a deep understanding of the laser scanning market.

He has accompanied our journey since day one, watched our team grow, and worked side by side with Richard on strategies and innovations.

More than a business partner, he was one of Richard’s best friends – and someone Richard trusted deeply to continue his legacy.

Eric knows our roots, shares our values, and understands our mission.

Together with our leadership team – Chris (COO), Martin (CTO), and Nicole (CMO) – he will ensure that PointCab continues on its path of innovation, reliability, and customer focus.

Over the past years, Richard gradually handed over responsibilities to this leadership team, allowing them to gain experience and successfully guide the company’s day-to-day operations.

This transition has already proven itself in practice: projects moved forward, the software evolved, and our partnerships grew stronger.

Now, with Eric taking on the role of CEO, PointCab builds on both this continuity and his unique perspective as someone who has been part of our journey from the very beginning.

Eric knows our roots, shares our values, and understands our mission.

Together with our leadership team – Chris (COO), Martin (CTO), and Nicole (CMO) – he will ensure that PointCab continues on its path of innovation, reliability, and customer focus.

Over the past years, Richard gradually handed over responsibilities to this leadership team, allowing them to gain experience and successfully guide the company’s day-to-day operations.

This transition has already proven itself in practice: projects moved forward, the software evolved, and our partnerships grew stronger.

Now, with Eric taking on the role of CEO, PointCab builds on both this continuity and his unique perspective as someone who has been part of our journey from the very beginning.

That is why we can look to the future with confidence:
PointCab stands on solid ground, with a clear strategy, a capable leadership team, and a CEO who knows the company inside and out.

As we begin this new chapter, we warmly welcome Eric into our team as our new CEO.

We are confident that, with his leadership, PointCab will continue to develop pioneering solutions, expand its global presence, and remain the trusted partner you know us to be.

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From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 2)

USER STORY

From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 2)

Contents:

From Point to Drawing
Accuracy in Focus
Plugins in Use
“Just Click, No Install”
Exploring Nebula
Conclusion

From Point to Drawing: How the Scan Comes to Life in the CAD Model

After the point cloud had been cleaned, aligned, and verified in PointCab Origins, Janka Engineering moved on to modeling the roof structure in Archicad and BricsCAD. Although the PointCab plugins weren’t yet used in this particular project, the team followed a well-structured workflow: they extracted precise sections and points from Origins, then manually modeled beams, trusses, and walls in CAD – always guided by panoramic views and the geometric accuracy of the point cloud.

Even twisted or non-orthogonal timber members were modeled with care, thanks to the exact coordinate picking tools in Origins.

“You can only draw what you can trust, so our models start with reliable sections from PointCab.”

Accuracy in Focus: From Standards to Sub-Centimeter Precision

Though the process was manual, the results were impressively precise. While Janka generally works to a ±2 cm tolerance common in historic documentation, this project often achieved sub-centimeter accuracy, especially in horizontal sections exported at a 5 mm resolution from Origins.

The final 3D model wasn’t just for documentation – it could be used directly by structural engineers. Thanks to its clean geometry, it was imported into statics software, where beams were recognized as real elements for snow load analysis and simulation. The ability to go from scan to simulation without relying on 2D interpretation made this workflow especially powerful.

Plugins in Use: A Smoother Workflow for Future Projects

Although the modeling for this particular project was completed without plugins, Janka Engineering has since integrated the PointCab plugins for Archicad and BricsCAD into their workflow – with great success.

“In the past, we created the model without a plugin. With the plugins, the modeling work is significantly easier. That’s great.”

Mr. Janka emphasizes that the plugins have made the workflow more efficient, especially when it comes to precisely transferring points for beams, rafters, and other components directly from the point cloud. What was once a manual process is now supported by smart automation, saving time and reducing the margin for error.

“Just Click, No Install”: Why Intuitive Viewers Are in High Demand

Despite all the enthusiasm, Mr. Janka expressed one specific criticism in the interview: the current viewer solution at that time, PointCab Share, was too technical for many clients. Especially in public or heritage projects, there’s often a multi-year gap between data capture and construction. What clients want is a tool they can use independently and long-term – without needing to log in, install anything, or worry about expiring cloud access.

Janka Engineering still uses Faro’s older Webshare-to-go solution for this reason: a browser-based viewer that runs locally.

Exploring Nebula: A Viewer That Closes the Gap?

While not a direct replacement for a fully offline viewer, PointCab Nebula addresses many modern sharing challenges. It enables project viewing directly in the browser—without needing to install software – and offers more hosting flexibility than typical cloud platforms. Data can be shared via local servers, private clouds (e.g., Nextcloud), or third-party services like Google Drive.

Nebula offers:

Simple, browser-based navigation through panoramic views
Sharing of sub-projects, sections, and views via link
Flexible hosting options (local or external)
Full compatibility with Origins projects

“I’d definitely take a look at it […] maybe it’s exactly the kind of development we’re looking for.”

Nebula is, therefore, definitely a step toward more client-friendly sharing and a signal that PointCab is listening and evolving in the right direction.

Conclusion: Best Practice with a Clear Perspective for Improvement

Just like in Part 1, this second part underscores how PointCab Origins supports both technical accuracy and practical usability, while also showing there’s still room to grow.

The user story of Engineering Office Janka clearly shows how PointCab Origins functions as a central hub in the scan-to-BIM workflow – from capture to structuring and validation to CAD evaluation. At the same time, it also reveals areas with potential for improvement. This blend of praise and constructive criticism is what makes the project so valuable, not only for other users but also for the ongoing development of the software itself.

“I think the first thing that gets opened in our office—right after the digital time clock—is Origins. It runs all day long.”

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Nebula 2.0 R2

Nebula 2.0 r2

NEW REVISION

Our cloud solution Nebula for point clouds is getting some new features and updates with the new revision. The most important new features and fixes are summarized here in this article. Let’s get started!

NEW FUNCTIONS:

Dynamic LOD for Orthophotos and Panos

New option in Nebula to „Download High Resolution Tiles“.
Orthophotos and panoramas are normally created in LOD 6 (level of detail) in order to load faster.

Higher resolution data can now be loaded on demand.

Handles to adjust Clipping Boxes

The Clipping Box in 3D view can now be rotated, moved, and scaled in all directions using handles.

GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS:

Share options added in 3D

Projects can now also be shared directly from the 3D view via “Share Project”.

Improved UX in Planar/Bubble View

Improved user experience:
Switching between Planar and Bubble View is now smoother and reliably leads to the same position.

IMPROVEMENTS & FIXES

Haven't tried Nebula yet?

Learn more about our Nebula cloud solution for point clouds and register for free today:

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Update PointCab Plugins: New interface, improved workflow

CAD PLUGIN UPDATES

4autocad, 4Brics and 4ZWCAD

We’ve completely revamped our PointCab CAD plugins – 4AutoCAD, 4Brics, and 4ZWCAD.
With the latest update, all three plugins now feature a brand-new transfer interface that makes working with point cloud data significantly more efficient, intuitive, and user-friendly.

VIDEO: A LOOK INTO THE NEW FEATURES

Using the 4AutoCAD plugin as an example, we’ll showcase the most important new and improved features.
The workflows demonstrated apply similarly to 4Brics and 4ZWCAD.

What’s new:

GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS

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From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 1)

USER STORY

From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 1)

Contents

As-built Survey
293 Scans
Registration & Data Structuring
Control & Accuracy
Delta Modul
PointCab in daily Operations
Teaser Part 2

From Heritage Building to Digital Model – A Government Commission with High Standards

As part of a long-term digitization project, the state building authority commissioned the Janka engineering office to carry out a 3D survey of a historic courthouse. The project began with the documentation of the complex roof truss. The goal was to use the data for structural calculations as well as for the step-by-step creation of a BIM-ready building model.

Particular attention was paid to the precise capture of the existing building structure and a structured processing of the point cloud.

293 Scans, Three Floors, One Goal: Precision in a Heritage-Protected Roof Structure

The roof truss of the courthouse—comprising three full floors and an attic—was captured using a stationary Faro Focus X 130 laser scanner. A total of 293 stations were recorded across three levels, distributed among the west, central, and east wings. The special feature: The roof truss consists of several levels with walkways, making the scan complex and time-consuming.

“This is a rather special roof truss because it’s essentially three stories high. That makes it more complicated—you just need more stations.”

The scans were carried out without pre-registration; the processing was done entirely in the office.

From Raw Scan to Structured Model – How Origins & Scantra Can Tame the Data Chaos

After the scans were completed, the point clouds were first imported into PointCab Origins. There, the data was initially structured into clusters—an essential step in preparing for registration. The data was then exported to Scantra for scan registration. The clusters created in Origins were automatically transferred.

“The interface between Origins and Scantra works great. We process everything, reimport it into Origins, and do the final alignment there.”

Afterward, the registered scans were loaded back into Origins, where the final coordinate system was defined.

Control & Accuracy: Quality Over Speed

The verification of the processed point cloud is also done in Origins. Here, sections are created, and the point cloud is checked for duplicates, misalignments, or missing scans.

“Quality control is a fixed part of our workflow before the data goes into the drawings.”

Regarding accuracy, the Janka engineering office adheres to accuracy level 3 according to Eckstein—with a tolerance range of ±2 cm. Thanks to laser scanning and precise evaluation with Origins, this standard is not only met, but often exceeded.

“In 3D, we’re usually under 1 cm—which suits our requirements perfectly.”

Hidden Damage in Sight: Visible and Plannable with the Delta Module

A widely used feature in numerous other projects at Janka Engineering is the Delta Module. It allows for quick and visual deformation analysis not only of floors but also of facades and historic walls.

“For us, the Delta Module is extremely important. You can immediately see: Aha, the facade leans outward or inward. That’s invaluable, especially for heritage projects or cemetery walls.”

The module is used to identify critical components or deformations even before modeling. This allows early assessment of potential issues during future insulation or renovation efforts.

Essential for Daily Operations: Origins at Engineering OFFICE Janka

Since 2014, the Janka engineering office has been working with PointCab Origins. Over the years, the software has evolved into the central platform for all scan-to-BIM processes within the company. While one or two licenses used to suffice, today every draftsman works with their own license. The workflows have been optimized over time—thanks in large part to the continuous development of the software.

“We’re now at seven licenses—and every single one is in constant use because there’s always something to extract.”

Origins is used not only for visualization but also for sharing plans, coordinates, and as an interface to programs like Archicad and BricsCAD.

COMING UP NEXT:

In Part 2 of the user story with the Janka engineering office, the focus shifts to the following topics:

CAD Integration
3D Viewer
New Perspectives with Nebula
Outlook: New Features & Upcoming Projects

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