Control Point File Requirements and Formats for IVION Processing

  • Updated on Apr 15, 2025
  • Published on Apr 2, 2025
  • 2 minute(s) read

Control Point Files contain the surveyed coordinates of the control points from a total station. They are used when processing the dataset in NavVis IVION Processing, refer here for information about processing with the Control Point File.

Control Point File Requirements

So that IVION Processing can process the surveyed control point file, the file must meet the following conditions:

  • Surveyed coordinates must be in a right-handed coordinate system.

  • For each dataset, at least 3 unique control points need to be recorded and need to be contained in the surveyed control point file.

  • All coordinate values must be in the metric system.

  • Geo-referenced coordinates can be used.

  • If you are using a local coordinate system (the origin is arbitrarily self-defined), then the origin should not be too far from the scanned site, ideally no more than a few kilometers.

Warning sign indicating caution with an exclamation mark in the center. Caution If the data is more than 20,000 meters away from your site origin, you will not be able to add your data to your NavVis IVION site.

Control Point File Format

The surveyed control points can be in .txt or .csv format.

CSV format

.csv files can be exported from e.g. Microsoft Excel. Make sure to use the following format:

CP00001, 1000.458, 1964.458, 0.1
CP00002, 1005.000, 2000.000, 0.2
CP00003, 1002.862, 2025.802, 0.3
# CP-wrong, 9002.212, 3025.432, 5.3. This entry will be ignored with "#" symbol

  • Each line must contain the following values for each control point: ID (name), X, Y, Z (coordinates).

  • Separate all values in each line with commas. Other delimiters cannot be interpreted by the software.

  • Empty lines and data beyond the fourth column will be ignored.

  • Exclude lines by adding # to the beginning of the line.

TXT format

A .txt control point file must be set up in the following format:

CP00001 1000.458 1964.458 0.1
CP00002 1005.000 2000.000 0.2
CP00003 1002.862 2025.802 0.3
# CP-wrong 9002.212 3025.432 5.3 This entry will be ignored with "#" symbol

  • Each line must contain the following values for each control point: ID (name), X, Y, Z (coordinates).

  • Separate the fields with a space or a comma.

  • Empty rows and data beyond the fourth column will be ignored.

  • Exclude lines by adding # to the beginning of the line.

FAQ

What is a Control Point File?

A Control Point File contains the surveyed coordinates of control points from a total station and is used in NavVis IVION Processing.

What are the requirements for a Control Point File?

The file must be in a right-handed coordinate system, contain at least 3 unique control points, use metric coordinates, and the origin should be within a few kilometers of the scanned site.

Can I use geo-referenced coordinates in the Control Point File?

Yes, geo-referenced coordinates can be used in the Control Point File.

What formats are acceptable for the Control Point File?

The Control Point File can be in .txt or .csv format.

How should the data be formatted in a CSV file?

Each line must contain the ID, X, Y, and Z coordinates separated by commas, and empty lines or data beyond the fourth column will be ignored.

Is there a limit on how far the data can be from the site origin?

Yes, if the data is more than 20,000 meters away from the site origin, it cannot be added to the NavVis IVION site.

Can I exclude lines in the Control Point File?

Yes, you can exclude lines by adding a '#' symbol at the beginning of the line.

What should I do if I have empty lines in my Control Point File?

Empty lines will be ignored during processing.

Do I need to use the metric system for coordinates?

Yes, all coordinate values must be in the metric system.

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