A 3D point cloud is a set of points in space, each defined by its X, Y, and Z coordinates, that together describe the surface of an object, a building, or an entire site. It is the raw output of a 3D scan, before any modeling.
This page gives a short, clear definition. For how point clouds are created and used in detail, see the full guide linked below.
Definition of a 3D point cloud
Technically, a point cloud is a discrete set of data points in a coordinate system. Each point carries at least its position, and often several extra attributes captured by the scanner.
- X, Y, Z: the mandatory coordinates that place the point in 3D space.
- RGB color: added when the scanner has a camera, for a realistic look.
- Intensity: the strength of the returned laser pulse, revealing materials.
- Normals: the surface direction at the point, useful for meshing.
- Classification: a label (ground, vegetation, building) added in post-processing.
Not to be confused with
A 3D point cloud has nothing to do with the statistical scatter plot (a 2D chart in Excel or Python). Same words, unrelated meaning. This page is about the 3D scanning sense.
Point cloud vs mesh vs BIM model
A point cloud is not a 3D model. It is the raw material from which models are built. The three are easy to tell apart.
- Point cloud: measured reality, nothing invented.
- Mesh: a continuous surface, good to look at, not intelligent.
- BIM model: objects that know what they are, for design and management.
| Object | What it is | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Point cloud | A set of measured points | Measuring, inspecting, as-built reference |
| Mesh | Points connected into surfaces | Visualization, 3D printing, simulation |
| BIM model | Smart objects with data (walls, pipes) | Design, coordination, facility management |
Types of point clouds
Dense vs sparse
A dense cloud has many points close together, for fine detail. A sparse cloud has fewer points, lighter to handle but less precise.
Colored or not
A colored cloud carries RGB values from a camera, for a photo-realistic look. A raw cloud may be shown by intensity or elevation instead.
Structured or unstructured
- Structured: points organized in a grid (typical of terrestrial scans), easier to process.
- Unstructured: points with no grid (typical of mobile or aerial scans), more flexible.
- Registered: several scans aligned into one coherent cloud.
View a point cloud in your browser
Upload an E57, LAS, LAZ, RCS, RCP, or LGSx file and explore it online, up to 1 TB per file.
Point cloud file formats in brief
- E57: open standard, the safe choice for exchange.
- LAS / LAZ: geospatial standard, uncompressed or compressed.
- RCS / RCP: Autodesk formats used with Revit and AutoCAD.
- LGSx: proprietary Leica Hexagon format.
- PTS, PLY, XYZ: simpler or niche formats.
What you do with a point cloud
Once captured, a point cloud lets you measure distances and volumes, compare the as-built against a BIM model, extract plans, or build a digital twin. For the full picture of how they are created and used, read our guide what is a point cloud.
- Measure distances, areas, and volumes on the real geometry.
- Compare the as-built against a BIM model to spot deviations.
- Extract plans, sections, and elevations.
- Build a mesh or a digital twin.
- Share the scan by link with clients and teams.
A point cloud is the measurement, not the model. Everything you build afterward, mesh, plan, or BIM, starts from those points.
Share a point cloud with your clients
Send a link, your client sees the scan in 3D in the browser, with nothing to install.
A 3D point cloud is a set of measured points (X, Y, Z plus attributes) that describes a real surface. It is the raw output of a scan, distinct from a mesh (connected surfaces) and a BIM model (smart objects). It comes in different types and formats, and is the starting point for measurement, BIM comparison, and digital twins.
Frequently asked questions
Related articles
How to Create a Point Cloud: Methods and Steps
How to create a point cloud step by step: laser scanning, photogrammetry, or mobile mapping, then registration, cleaning, export, and sharing.
Point Cloud File Formats: E57, LAS, LAZ, RCS, LGSx
The main point cloud file formats explained: E57, LAS, LAZ, RCS, RCP, LGSx. Open vs proprietary, which to use when, and how to convert.
Photogrammetry vs Laser Scanning: Which to Choose
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