CloudCompare is free. But it doesn't share your scans.

CloudCompare is free and excellent for local processing, but it does not cover collaboration needs.

What CloudCompare cannot do:

• Share a scan by link (recipient must install the software)
• View 50 GB+ files online without maxing out RAM
• Compare a point cloud against a BIM/IFC model
• Let multiple people annotate the same scan

ATIS.cloud fills these gaps with the Standard plan (4 users included). A free trial lets you test without commitment.

Yes, compatibility between the two tools is excellent.

Formats exportable from CloudCompare and accepted by ATIS.cloud:

• E57 : universal format recommended for transfers
• LAS / LAZ : standard geospatial formats
• PTX, PTS : scanner formats (Advance plan)
• XYZ : simple text format (Advance plan)

The recommended workflow is to export as E57 from CloudCompare for maximum compatibility. PLY and PCD formats exported by CloudCompare are not supported by ATIS.cloud.

No, cloud-to-cloud comparison remains a CloudCompare specialty.

What CloudCompare does:

• Point-to-point distance calculation between two clouds
• Color-coded deviation map (heatmap)
• Temporal comparison between two acquisitions

What ATIS.cloud does:

• Scan vs BIM/IFC comparison (Advance plan)
• Point cloud and IFC model overlay
• Visual detection of gaps between as-built and design

Both approaches are complementary: CloudCompare for fine geometric analysis, ATIS.cloud for BIM validation with your clients.

Yes, ATIS.cloud is designed for large files that CloudCompare struggles with.

CloudCompare limitations:

• Performance depends on your PC's RAM (typically 8-32 GB)
• Files over 50 GB cause slowdowns or crashes
• No cloud optimization, everything is loaded into local memory

ATIS.cloud advantages:

• Files up to 500 GB processed server-side
• Smooth browser navigation thanks to progressive streaming
• No hardware constraints, even a jobsite laptop works

For heavy projects, ATIS.cloud frees up your machine while providing fast visualization.

Sharing is done in three simple steps with ATIS.cloud.

Recommended workflow:

• Process your scan in CloudCompare (registration, cleaning, filtering)
• Export the result as E57 or LAS/LAZ from CloudCompare
• Upload the file to ATIS.cloud and generate a sharing link

Your client or collaborator:

• Clicks the link received by email
• Views the scan in 3D in their browser, no CloudCompare installation needed
• Can measure, annotate, and freely navigate the point cloud

Link sharing is included in all ATIS.cloud plans.

Both tools offer different approaches to data security.

CloudCompare (local):

• Data stored on your PC, you manage security
• No network transmission, no risk of online leaks
• Backup and protection depend on your infrastructure

ATIS.cloud (cloud):

• Data sovereignty in 22+ countries
• SSL/TLS encryption for all transfers
• Access controlled by link, you decide who sees your scans
• Automatic server-side backups

For sensitive data, ATIS.cloud combines sovereignty and granular access control.

Yes, the trial is free and commitment-free.

What is included in the trial:

• Full access to all features
• Upload of E57, LAS, LAZ files (and other formats)
• Unlimited link sharing during the trial period
• Measurement, annotation, and 3D navigation

How to get started:

• Sign up without a credit card at ATIS.cloud
• Upload a file exported from CloudCompare (E57 recommended)
• Test link sharing with a colleague or client

No installation required, everything happens in your browser.