Colorize Point Cloud Scans

When you import a point cloud scan that includes a linked panorama (for example, from a Trimble SX10), the scan is automatically colorized during import based on the colors in the linked panorama photo image, resulting in true-color point clouds in your project. Because the colorization process can take a long time to complete, you can opt to cancel the process on import and perform it later using the Colorize Point Clouds command.

Note: A "linked" panorama is a panorama that was captured in the field in conjunction with the scanning process. An "unlinked" panorama is a panorama that was captured in the field separately from the scanning process. The same station setup can include both linked and unlinked panoramas.

Note the following when colorizing point cloud scans:

If a scan station includes a single linked panorama, the linked panorama is used to colorize all of the scan points that overlap it.
If a scan station includes a single linked panorama along with additional unlinked panoramas, the linked panorama is used to colorize all of the scan points that overlap it. Then each unlinked panorama is used, in chronological order, to colorize the scan points that overlap it, replacing, if applicable, the color that was derived from the linked panorama or an earlier unlinked panorama.
If a scan station includes associated photo images but no linked panoramas, the associated photo images are blended and used to colorize the scan point .

Prerequisites:

See the Subscription Plans page. For a license matrix by command, see the License page in the TBC Community. Also see View and manage licensed features.

To colorize point cloud scans on import:

When you import a point cloud that includes one or more scans with matching panoramas, the Colorizing Point Clouds dialog displays automatically by default during the import process showing the progress of the colorization process. When the process is complete, the dialog closes and, where applicable, scan points are displayed in color based on the color in the matching panorama image.

Note: You can select Options in the Quick Access Toolbar. Then select General > Point Clouds to change the default setting and specify that colorization not take place automatically on import.

Depending on the number of panorama images included in the colorization process and the computing capabilities of your computer, the process may take a long time to complete. If you want to import the data as quickly as possible and perform the colorization process at a later time (or not at all), click the Stop and Colorize Later button. Then perform the following procedure at a more convenient time.

To colorize a point cloud after import:

Select Colorize Point Cloud.
The Colorize Point Cloud command pane displays listing each of the scan stations in your project along with the number of its scans and scan points that can be colorized (that is, they include matching panorama images).
You can click the Station View button for any station to view its panorama images and scan points on the associated Station View tab.
For each station whose colorable scan points you want to colorize, check the Colorize check box located in the last column. To check (or uncheck) all of the station check boxes, click the Colorize button located at the top of the column.
Click the Process button located at the bottom of the command pane.
A progress bar is displayed for each station whose scan points are being colorized. If you want to stop processing for a specific station, click the Stop button located to the right of the progress bar. To stop all processing, click the Stop button located at the bottom of the pane.
When colorizing is complete for each station, its check box is highlighted with a green border.
Each scan point for the processed stations is now displayed in color in the graphic views based on the color in the corresponding panorama photo image.