Technology Explained

What is a "Point Cloud" and How Do I Use It?

You've heard the term, but what does it actually look like? We break down what point cloud data really is, the file formats it comes in, and how your team can put it to work — from CAD drawings to design software.

What is a point cloud, exactly?

A point cloud is a collection of millions of data points, each one a precise X-Y-Z coordinate captured by a LiDAR scanner as it measures a space. Together those points form a dense, dimensionally accurate 3D representation of the building exactly as it stands — walls, columns, ceilings, ductwork, and every other surface, recorded down to the millimeter.

What does a point cloud actually look like?

It looks like a 3D photograph you can fly through. Instead of a flat image, you get a navigable model where every point sits in its true position in space. You can rotate it, measure between any two points, slice it into floor plans and sections, and view the building from angles a tape measure could never reach — all from data captured on a single site visit.

How is a point cloud different from a CAD drawing or a 3D model?

The point cloud is the raw measured data; a CAD drawing or 3D model is the interpreted, cleaned-up deliverable built from it. The cloud captures everything, including clutter and noise. We take that source data and produce the usable output your team actually works from — dimensioned floor plans, elevations, graphic site plans, or a clean 3D model — rather than handing over a raw data dump no one can use.

What file formats does a point cloud come in?

Point clouds are delivered in industry-standard formats so they drop straight into your existing workflow. We provide registered data as .E57, .LAS, .PLY, and .RCS files, plus CAD-ready .DWG outputs. The format you need depends on your software — and if you're not sure, we'll point you to the right one.

Can I use a point cloud in Revit or AutoCAD?

Yes. If your architects or engineers work in Revit, AutoCAD, or similar design software, they can import the registered point cloud directly and model against it — building their BIM or design files on top of field-verified reality instead of outdated drawings. HosScans focuses on the capture and the as-built deliverables; we hand off clean, properly registered data your design team can pull straight into their own tools.

Do I need special software just to look at a point cloud?

Not necessarily. Beyond the working files for your design team, we also provide complimentary virtual site access through NavVis IVION, so you can walk the scanned space in your browser — no specialized software, no license, no learning curve. It's the easiest way for owners, brokers, and facility teams to use the data without touching CAD at all.

Curious what your building looks like as a point cloud? A single LiDAR scan gives you field-verified data your whole team can use — across Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Irving, Arlington, and Wylie. Request a quote and book online for 5% off — or call (945) 276-9626.