Pointcab

From First Scan to Real Insights

Nicole — Wed, 27 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

USER STORY

From First Scan to Real Insights: Learning Digital Building Surveys with Laser Scanning

Contens

An entire building ensemble as a testing ground
A watchtower as a learning object
The first step matters: planning the scan on site
When theory meets reality
Working with the point cloud: from export to drawing
Data management and sharing
Between expectations and reality: a steep learning curve
Conclusion: technology meets learning
Our recommendation for getting started
Project participants

What happens when architecture students work with terrestrial laser scanning for the first time? That was exactly the focus of the Building Surveying course at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences: moving away from traditional tape-measure methods and toward a digital understanding of existing buildings.

The result is not a polished showcase, but an honest look at a learning process – one that highlights both the potential and the complexity of scan-to-CAD workflows.

An entire building ensemble as a testing ground

At the center of the project was a diverse building ensemble in the municipality of Bogel in Rhineland-Palatinate. Alongside the former “Alte Post,” the students also surveyed barns, a restaurant, and several additional existing structures.

The brief was deliberately open-ended. The goal was not just to capture the buildings, but to understand them spatially and translate that understanding into reliable as-built documentation – forming the basis for future design work.

One of the first challenges was access: not all interiors were accessible. As a result, many conclusions had to be derived indirectly from exterior scans, such as roof geometries, façade openings, and building heights.

A watchtower as a learning object

In parallel, the students scanned a reconstructed Roman watchtower along the Limes in Bendorf-Sayn – an intentionally chosen structure with very different constraints.

Tight interior spaces, complex lines of sight, and an active environment made it an ideal training scenario. Here, the focus was less on producing plans and more on understanding the scanning process itself:

Where should the scanner be positioned?
When are a few targets enough, and when are they not?
How do terrain and perspective affect registration?

These variations quickly made one thing clear: there is no single “standard” workflow.

The first step matters: planning the scan on site

Even before the scanner was set up, it became clear how critical preparation is.

Scan positions had to be chosen carefully to minimize occlusions. At the same time, practical constraints – accessibility, time pressure, and environmental factors – played a much larger role than expected.

The placement of reference targets proved particularly critical. They need to be clearly visible for registration, but not obstructive – something that sounds simple in theory, yet turned out to be surprisingly error-prone in practice.

When theory meets reality

The scanning process itself worked reliably. The real challenges came from external factors and the subsequent data processing.

Rain and wind affected scan quality, while passersby or animals occasionally moved reference targets. In some cases, scans had to be repeated because they could no longer be properly registered.

These issues became even more apparent during the alignment of individual scans. Missing links, shifted targets, or incomplete scan paths made registration far more time-consuming than expected. In addition, typical artifacts – such as people captured during scanning or incorrectly assigned reference points – had to be manually cleaned up before a consistent point cloud could be achieved.

Working with the point cloud: from export to drawing

Once the point cloud was complete, the actual analysis began in PointCab Origins. For the first time, the students could work directly within a digital representation of the building – taking measurements and deriving floor plans. The ability to access the full geometry at any time proved to be a major advantage over traditional methods.

However, it only became clear later on that the full potential of PointCab Origins had not been fully utilized. A significant amount of time was spent manually redrawing exported PDFs in CAD software. Although vector-based workflows in Origins were tested, they were not pursued further due to time constraints. As the students later learned from tutorials, tools like the Vectorizer or even a properly aligned orthophoto import could have significantly streamlined the process.

Instead, the exported data had to be processed, scaled, and adjusted within the CAD environment. In some cases, scale issues occurred and were initially misinterpreted. Only later did it become clear that these could have been avoided entirely by adjusting the sheet format directly in PointCab Origins, which allows for accurate, scaled PDF outputs.

This highlights a typical beginner effect: without a full understanding of the software’s capabilities, users tend to build unnecessarily complex workflows.

The underestimated challenge: data management and sharing

Another major issue was the size of the datasets.

The generated point clouds were large and difficult to share. Standard methods such as email or common file-sharing services quickly reached their limits (for example, 2 GB file size restrictions), which meant that external hard drives were sometimes used instead.

This exposes a key challenge in collaborative workflows:
The value of the data can only be realized if it is easily accessible – and if the necessary hardware is available.

This is where cloud-based solutions like PointCab Nebula offer a much more efficient approach. Projects can be hosted, visualized, and shared directly within the user’s own cloud environment, therefore eliminating the need for complex file transfers.

Between expectations and reality: a steep learning curve

The initial expectation of producing complete as-built drawings within a short timeframe proved to be unrealistic.

Instead, the project evolved into an iterative process: scanning, correcting, reprocessing, and redrawing. Yet this is precisely where its real value lies.

The students not only learned the workflow itself, but also gained a clear understanding of where typical issues arise, and how to avoid them in future projects.

Key takeaways included:

improved scan planning
better handling and securing of reference targets
more efficient use of software tools
a more realistic assessment of data sizes and hardware requirements

Conclusion: technology meets learning

This project clearly demonstrates the potential of digital building surveying.

As Nicolas Wild puts it:

“Although terrestrial laser scanning originated in landscape surveying, the method can be effectively applied to construction measurement: It provides a complete geometric capture of the existing structure and, compared to manual measurement, opens up additional analysis options in the planning process. The initial investment in scanners and software may seem like a hurdle, but it will pay off as experience grows and more projects are completed.”

At the same time, it becomes evident that success depends not only on the technology but on understanding the workflow behind it.

With the experience gained from this project, the students are far better prepared for future work. Once this initial learning phase is complete, workflows become significantly more efficient, and the true strengths of laser scanning can fully unfold.

Our recommendation for getting started

Many of the challenges encountered in this project can be significantly reduced by understanding the software from the outset.

That’s why we recommend:

free demos to explore the full capabilities of PointCab Origins
contact our dedicated support to avoid common pitfalls early on
and cloud-based solutions like PointCab Nebula to simplify data sharing and project collaboration

This turns a complex entry into a much more structured workflow–and allows the full potential of laser scanning to be realized.

project participants

Students:
Celina Harzer, David Knopp, Maximilian Krahn, Edgar Landl, Witta Majorov, Nicolas Wild

Professor:
Prof. Stephan Jost

Advisor:
Mika Kramer

Other publications:
Nicolas Wild – Büro Stefan Wild Architekt Montabaur

Sources & further information:
– Koblenz University of Applied Sciences
– Welterbe Limes Bendorf-Sayn

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Der Beitrag From First Scan to Real Insights erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

New Release: Nebula 2.1 & Nebula Creator

Nicole — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:45:54 +0000

New Release: Nebula 2.1 & Nebula Creator

Contents

1.Nebula Creator
2. Nebula 2.1 – Most important new Features
AWS (Amazon Web Services) Compatibility
New Download Manager
Height and Cluster Navigation
“Display Range” Option in Bubble Views
Measurements & POIs in Bubble Views
3. Nebula 2.1 – More New Features
4. Nebula 2.1 – Refinements and Fixes

1. Nebula Creator

What it’s for

4. Nebula 2.1 – Refinements and Fixes

Improved clipping box handling
Improved Settings behaviour & appearance
Improved workflow for purchasing additional slots
Improved 3D Visualization
Improved Mini Map for easier navigation
Extended measurements units (feet)
Dynamic point-display adjustment for improved performance
Optimized point cloud loading for faster performance
Fix: Updates are synchronized in real time across all views
Fix: Unified sharing links for all users
Fix: Automatically update public links
Fix: Microsoft SharePoint Public Links
Fix: Sidebar issues in Firefox

Book your demo today!

Want to see those shiny new features first-hand?

Simply book a free, no-obligation demo with one of our support engineers below.

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2025: RECAP & ROUND-UP

Freddie — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:56 +0000

2025: Recap & Round-up

Freddie
December 16, 2025
11:00

POINTCAB 2025:
A YEAR THAT MOVED US

As 2025 draws to a close, we at PointCab look back on a year that many of us are still processing. Alongside product successes, updates, and countless events, we unfortunately also faced moments that continue to weigh heavily on our hearts.
Let’s take a look at the key milestones of the year together:

RELEASES FOR A FUTURE-PROOF WORKFLOW

2025 was packed with updates and enhancements across our entire product lineup. Here’s a quick look at the most important updates from our changelog:

Origins 4.2 Updates:
In addition to ongoing optimizations and broader compatibility with new data formats, we introduced many new features and implemented customer requests to make our point cloud software, Origins, even more powerful and intuitive.
Nebula 2.0:
Our cloud solution for point cloud projects received a major overhaul.
Alongside numerous new features, the interface has been redesigned to be even more streamlined and user-friendly. Sharing point clouds has never been easier.
Point Cloud Plugins Update 3.0:
4AutoCAD, 4ArchiCAD, 4Brics, 4Revit & 4ZWCAD
With version 3.0, all our point cloud plugins received a brand-new import interface, making them more intuitive and easier to use. Naturally, each version is compatible with the latest release of its respective CAD software.
Our newest 4ArchiCAD 3.0 update, for example, includes multiple new features: multi-layer import, transparent orthophotos, XYZ data import as 3D points, and the new Update Mesh function.

A YEAR FULL OF CONNECTIONS – EVENTS,
NEW PARTNERS & RESELLERS

2025 was a year rich with connection – both in person and online. From GeoWeek in Denver with exciting live sessions featuring Mack (LIDAholics), to the Oldenburg BIM & 3D Days, the LSE Roadshow of our sister company in Stuttgart, the Energy Excellence Days, and major industry events like Intergeo in Frankfurt, we had countless opportunities to showcase our solutions, speak directly with users, and gather clear market insights.

A lot happened online as well. Our webinars introducing the new Nebula 2.0 cloud solution drew significant attention, underscoring the strong demand for scalable, modern workflows.

Partnerships remained a central theme. With new collaborations such as the XGRIDS bundle with Laserscanning Europe and Seiler Design Solutions in the US, as well as new resellers like GEOsat, we expanded our reach in 2025 and moved even closer to our customers than ever before.

FAREWELL AND TRANSITION

This year brought a painful loss. With great sadness, we had to say goodbye to our esteemed CEO and co-founder, Dr. Richard Steffen. After a long battle with cancer, our friend and CEO Richard passed away peacefully this summer surrounded by his family.

Obituary Richard

Following Richard’s wish, his long-time friend and business partner Eric Bergholz stepped in as the new CEO of PointCab. Eric and Richard shared a deep friendship since the founding of PointCab. With Eric – who is also the CEO of our sister company Laserscanning Europe – our future is in capable hands and will continue in the spirit of Richard’s vision.

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

Beyond the professional milestones, 2025 was shaped by real team moments. Our team-building event in sunny Valencia was a highlight that continues to resonate. The energy we built there carries into our everyday work – and it’s exactly what makes our team the driving force behind our success.

If you want to strengthen this environment, we’re excited to receive your application for the position of Technical Product Manager with a Customer Success Focus. Let’s head into the new year together.

As we say goodbye to 2025, we look forward to 2026 with determination – a year centered on innovation and teamwork.

WHAT'S LEFT TO SAY?

THANK YOU!

Despite everything heavy and emotionally difficult we had to face, 2025 was a strong year of growth, progress, and real achievements. We are grateful for all customers, partners, team members, and friends who stood by our side through this challenging time. The incredible support we received meant a great deal to us. Your compassion moved us deeply and helped us keep going. Thank you for every message, every conversation, and every moment of support.

Thank you to everyone who is part of the PointCab family. Here’s to an inspiring and successful 2026!

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4Archicad 3.0 Plugin Update

Freddie — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:00:07 +0000

4Archicad Plugin 3.0 Update

DISCOVER ALL NEW FUNCTIONS

The new PointCab 4Archicad Plugin 3.0 is here!
This update brings a range of new features and improvements that make working with point cloud data from Origins in Archicad significantly more efficient, intuitive, and effortless.

POINTCAB 4ARCHICAD 3.0 – WHAT'S NEW

IMPORT MULTI SHEETS

New feature in our 4Archicad plugin:

With the new setting “import all sheets as worksheets,” layouts with reflectivity, delta, indexed, and more can now be easily transferred in one step.

You’ll see the full breakdown in the video.

SET TRANSPARENCY OF ORTHOPHOTOS

New feature in our 4Archicad plugin:

With the new “Set orthophotos transparent” feature, Orthophotos can now be imported with transparency. Without a white background, the grid pattern behind them is clearly visible.

You’ll see the full breakdown in the video.

IMPORT XYZ FILE AS 3D POINTS

Effortless import of XYZ files with our 4Archicad plugin:

Bringing XYZ files from Origins into Archicad is now incredibly simple. Just a few clicks and your 3D points appear right where you need them.

Check out the video to see how it works in detail.

UPDATE MESH

With the new “Update Mesh” feature, adding additional 3D points to an existing mesh in Archicad is quick and effortless. You can refine or expand your mesh in no time.

Watch the video to see exactly how it works.

GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS

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

Freddie — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 11:44:37 +0000

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

Freddie — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:43:42 +0000

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

Freddie — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:00:39 +0000

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

Freddie — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:25 +0000

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?

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

Freddie — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:30:45 +0000

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?

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

Freddie — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:00:26 +0000

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.

Want to keep up with the latest pointCab news?

Then follow us on Social Media or subcribe to our newsletter!

Der Beitrag A New Chapter for PointCab: Welcome Eric Bergholz as CEO erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Pointcab

From First Scan to Real Insights

USER STORY

From First Scan to Real Insights: Learning Digital Building Surveys with Laser Scanning

An entire building ensemble as a testing ground

A watchtower as a learning object

The first step matters: planning the scan on site

When theory meets reality

Working with the point cloud: from export to drawing

The underestimated challenge: data management and sharing

Between expectations and reality: a steep learning curve

Conclusion: technology meets learning

Our recommendation for getting started

project participants

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New Release: Nebula 2.1 & Nebula Creator

New Release: Nebula 2.1 & Nebula Creator

1. Nebula Creator

2. Nebula 2.1 – Most important new Features

AWS (Amazon Web Services) Compatibility

New Download Manager

Height and Cluster Navigation

"Display Range" Option in Bubble Views

Measurements & POIs in Bubble Views

3. Nebula 2.1 – More New Features

4. Nebula 2.1 – Refinements and Fixes

Book your demo today!

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2025: RECAP & ROUND-UP

2025: Recap & Round-up

POINTCAB 2025:A YEAR THAT MOVED US

RELEASES FOR A FUTURE-PROOF WORKFLOW

A YEAR FULL OF CONNECTIONS – EVENTS, NEW PARTNERS & RESELLERS

FAREWELL AND TRANSITION

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

WHAT'S LEFT TO SAY?

4Archicad 3.0 Plugin Update

4Archicad Plugin 3.0 Update

DISCOVER ALL NEW FUNCTIONS

POINTCAB 4ARCHICAD 3.0 – WHAT'S NEW

IMPORT MULTI SHEETS

SET TRANSPARENCY OF ORTHOPHOTOS

IMPORT XYZ FILE AS 3D POINTS

UPDATE MESH

GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS

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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

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

Maximus looks back and reflects:

Project Participants

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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

Empty results from X9 point cloud data in Origins?

Easy fix: Change your import settings

The result:

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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

Technological maturity from 2005 onwards

From specialized device to standard tool

BIM and digital workflows

BIM – Building Information Modeling

Diverse applications

Software as the key

Did you know…?

That was the last part of our series.

Want to keep up with the latest pointCab news?

The Origins of Laser Scanning Part 2

Part 2 – From the Laboratory to Everyday Life

POINTCAB 2025:
A YEAR THAT MOVED US

A YEAR FULL OF CONNECTIONS – EVENTS,
NEW PARTNERS & RESELLERS