How to clone a point selection into a new cloud

Summary

TCP-PointCloud Editor lets you clone a point selection in order to create a new point cloud from it, without having to export the selected points and import them again. The procedure is to filter the selection in the original cloud and then use the Clone command, clearing the option that includes the filtered points.

Applies to

• TCP-PointCloud Editor (POINTCLOUD). The documented cases do not state version numbers, so the procedure is not restricted to any version.

• Selection, filtering and cloning functions for point clouds.

Symptoms

• You need to create a new cloud from a point selection without exporting and importing the points manually.

• After making the selection you cannot find a direct option that creates the cloud with those points.

Cause

This is neither a limitation nor a fault: cloning selections is available and creates a new cloud with the selected points, but not as a direct action on the selection. The new cloud is obtained by combining the filtering of the selected points with the Clone command, which allows the filtered points to be excluded. The result is equivalent to exporting the selection and importing it again, but more directly.

Solution

Case: cloning a point selection into a new cloud

1. Select the points you want to clone in the original cloud.

2. Go to Editing and run Filter.

3. Select the point cloud in the point cloud panel (on the left).

4. Activate the Point Clouds ribbon and, within the POINT CLOUDS group, click Clone.

5. In the dialogue, give the new cloud (the clone) a name and clear the Include Filtered Points option.

6. Once the clone has been created, undo the filtering in the original cloud to restore the points that were hidden.

This procedure is equivalent to exporting the selection and importing it again, but more direct.

If the problem persists

• If you do not get the expected result after following this procedure, contact Aplitop technical support stating the steps you carried out.

Category: Point cloud display and editing · Level: Intermediate