🕒 7 min read
In this article:
- What Is a Point Cloud?
- What Is a Point Cloud Used For?
- Point Cloud Meaning
- Is a Point Cloud 2D or 3D?
- LiDAR vs Point Cloud
- Examples of a Point Cloud
- What Happens During a Point Cloud Scan?
- Point Cloud and Revit
- Point Cloud Apps & Python
- The Fundamentals of 3D Point Cloud
- FAQ
What Is a point cloud?
A point cloud is a digital collection of millions (sometimes billions) of 3D points that represent the exact geometry of a real space or object. Each point contains spatial coordinates (X, Y, Z) and may also include color and intensity values, allowing professionals to measure, model, and analyze reality with high precision.
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What Is a Point Cloud Used For?
In the Dutch AEC and real estate sectors, point cloud data is widely used to reduce uncertainty—especially when existing drawings are outdated, incomplete, or unreliable.
- Renovation and retrofit planning
- Scan to BIM workflows
- Clash detection and verification
- Real estate documentation and asset management
- Complex or heritage buildings
Related Wolk services:
👉 Scan to BIM Services in Amsterdam
👉 Point Cloud Scanning
Point Cloud Meaning (In Simple Terms)
A point cloud can be described as a “3D photograph you can measure.” Instead of flat pixels, you work with spatial points that reconstruct the real environment—walls, floors, ceilings, structures—exactly as they exist.
Is a Point Cloud 2D or 3D?
A point cloud is inherently 3D. Each point includes depth information, which makes it possible to extract accurate 2D drawings—such as plans, sections, and elevations—from a single dataset.
Measurement-focused services:
👉 3D Measurements Netherlands
👉 NEN2580 Measurements
What Is the Difference Between LiDAR and Point Cloud?
This is one of the most common questions users ask:
- LiDAR is the laser-based scanning technology used to measure distances.
- A point cloud is the dataset created from those measurements.
For an authoritative technical overview of how LiDAR generates point cloud data, see:
Autodesk – Point Cloud Technology Overview.
What Is an Example of a Point Cloud?
- An office building scan used to support renovation design
- A residential asset documented for accurate floor plans
- An industrial facility captured for retrofit or maintenance planning
Real estate use cases explained here:
👉 Point Cloud for Real Estate
Point Cloud Scan: What Happens During Scanning?
A point cloud scan involves placing a laser scanner in multiple positions across a site. These scans are registered into one coherent dataset.
After downloading the raw data in our workstations, it is treated, cleaned and extracted into and output file (.rcp, .e57, etc.).
These output files can be used for:
- Point cloud visualization: the scanned building or item, can be navigated in a kind of “google street view” environment;
- 3D Revit modeling: From the point cloud we can create a BIM model in Revit and extract in multiple formats for maximum compatibility. From the 3d model also 2D drawings can be created.
Not sure if scanning is the right choice for your building?
Call +31 20 8965817 or describe your project here.
Point Cloud and Revit: How They Work Together
Point cloud data is commonly imported into Revit as a geometric reference, enabling accurate modeling of walls, slabs, structures, and visible MEP elements.
Dutch workflow reference:
👉 Point Cloud to BIM Nederland
The Fundamentals of 3D Point Cloud
High-quality point cloud data depends on:
- registration accuracy
- noise reduction
- complete spatial coverage
- correct coordinate systems
- clear deliverable objectives
Related service page:
👉 3D Point Cloud Scanning in the Netherlands
FAQ
What is a point cloud?
A point cloud is a collection of 3D points that digitally represents real-world geometry.
What is point cloud used for?
It is used for renovation planning, Scan to BIM, real estate documentation, and construction verification.
What is the difference between LiDAR and point cloud?
LiDAR is the scanning technology; the point cloud is the resulting dataset.
Is point cloud 2D or 3D?
Point clouds are inherently three-dimensional.
What is an example of a point cloud?
A scanned building interior used to create accurate drawings or BIM models.
Ready to Use Point Cloud Data?
Wolk supports professionals across the Netherlands with reliable point cloud data for renovation, design, and documentation.
📞 +31 20 8965817
✉️ info@wolk-amsterdam.nl
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