Select an object in a point cloud (for example, a tree, pole, sign, or closed manhole cover) and automatically create a new point at the base/center of the object with an assigned feature code and feature attributes. To assist in populating attribute values for the feature from extracted scan data, you can map the feature code's attributes, which are defined in an imported Feature Definition (.fxl) file, to attributes extracted by the command. For any feature attribute that cannot be mapped to an extraction attribute, you can enter the attribute value manually. This provides a quick, flexible, and efficient means of extracting features and attributes in scanned areas.

Following are the basic steps for this workflow. For more detailed instructions, see Extract Point Features from a Point Cloud.

Steps:

Commands:

1.

Import the appropriate Feature Definition (.fxl) file into your project as described in Import Feature Definition.

Import

Project Settings

2.

Optionally, import a Feature Extraction Attribute Map (.exl) file into your project that defines a feature attribute/extraction attribute map to use in the point feature extraction process as necessary.

See Import Feature Extraction Attribute Map Files (.exl) and Export Feature Extraction Attribute Map Files (.exl).

Import

Project Settings

3.

In the 3D View or Plan View, display the scan points from which you want to extract point features. Try to avoid making changes to the view after the Extract Point Feature command is running.

3D View

Plan View

4.

Select the Extract Point Feature command.

Extract Point Feature

5.

If a message displays recommending that you classify point cloud regions (classification has not yet been performed in the project) prior to performing point feature extraction, click Yes to display the Extract Classified Point Cloud Regions command (recommended). Then, classify the regions mentioned in the message or, optionally, classify all of the regions. See Extract Classified Point Cloud Regions for instructions.

Extract Classified Point Cloud Regions

6.

In the Extraction type drop-down list, select the type of object for which you want to extract a point feature. Then select the appropriate extraction method option:

• Manual - This method is the only option available for certain extraction types. It allows you to pick objects for extraction individually. Proceed to step 7.
• Automatic - This method is less accurate than the Manual method and is available for certain extraction types only. It allows you to filter a graphic view if necessary using the View Filter Manager, point cloud Keep Out and Keep In commands, and other filtering commands to select a point cloud and then have the software automatically extract all of the objects of the selected extraction type included in the point cloud at the same time. No manual selection is required. Proceed to step 8.

View Filter Manager

Keep In/Keep Out (commands on Point Clouds ribbon tab)

7.

If you selected the Manual extraction option:

1. Click in the Pick a point field and then, in the 3D View, select a scan point on the object for which you want to create a feature point.
2. Click the Extract Attributes button, or press the Enter key.
3. Proceed to step 9.

8.

If you selected the Automatic extraction option:

1. Click the Extract Attributes button.
2. Proceed to step 9.

9.

Enter the Feature code to assign to the new feature point(s).

10.

Click the Map Attributes link located above the Feature code field to display the Attribute Mapping dialog. Then, for each extraction type attribute displayed to the right of a corresponding Select attribute drop-down list, select the matching feature code attribute in the drop-down list. If no Feature code attribute type is available to map to the Extraction type attribute, select <Undefined>. When you are done, click Save.

11.

Optionally, change any of the extracted values displayed in the extraction attribute fields, and provide a value for any unmapped feature attributes that include a yellow Required icon.

12.

Click the Add button.

If the Projection Definition dialog displays, make changes if necessary and click OK.

13.

Optionally, if you are using the Automatic extraction method, follow the steps described in Extract Point Features from a Point Cloud to systematically and efficiently verify the point feature extractions are correct and, if any are not, fix the problem immediately: