Mesh or normal compute FLS files

[jason3d]

I like the fls import added to CC. It would be nice if CC could mesh the fls files using the scanner location and the fact that they are ordered point clouds. It could have the scalar factor of edge length so that we could cut out patches far from others. I usually merge the poinclouds but this would make computing the normals prior to merge a quicker process. Thanks

[Laserbrain]

Just chiming in.

Yes, computing normals for FARO scan files (lsprj or fls) would be terrific.

In the mean time is there currently any way to compute the normals of each scan based on scanner head location within CloudCompare?

[daniel]

Yes, when you import a PTX file (or a DP one but it's only for DPI-X owners). This functionality should be extended to FARO files in the next release (hopefully).

[Laserbrain]

Thank you.

I meant, is there currently a way to compute normals of FARO scan files, which take into account scanner head location?

[daniel]

Well, only if you can convert your files to PTX (can't Faro Scene do this?)

[daniel]

For the records, this will now be possible with the 2.8 version (should be ready soon). See the new tool 'Edit > Mesh > Mesh scan grids'.

[Laserbrain]

Hi Daniel,

The new mesh scan grids tool on an FLS file is a cool quick way to mesh.

However, most projects consist of more than one scan, so you'd have a lot of overlapping and disconnecting meshes. And looks like the color disappears.

It would still be very useful to have a normal computation method for structured scans that takes into account the scanner head location.

FARO Scene software does export PTX files, but does not export normals.

The only file format that can currently be exported from FARO Scene (v6.2) with normals is POD. Did I read somewhere that you're working on I/O for POD?

[daniel]

Indeed the 'compte normals from grid' method should be added to CC soon I believe.

But the 'mesh from grid' option is just a very small piece of code that was added 'because it's easy' (a more evolved version based on multiple grids is not planned right now).

And for the POD format, it was something that was asked a long time ago by several users, but as it's a closed format there's few chances that it will ever happen...

[Laserbrain]

Excellent. Thanks, Daniel!