What is a Point Cloud?
A Point Cloud is a collection of data points in space that typically represent the external https://navvis.atlassian.net/wiki/x/ZoCUqsurface of an object or environment. These point clouds are utilized in various applications such as 3D scanning and mapping. They can be visualized and manipulated using tools like NavVis IVION, where users can perform actions including panning, orbiting, cleaning up noise, cropping, and downloading the data in formats such as .e57 or .ply. The resolution of point clouds processed with NavVis Software achieves a minimum detail of 5 mm, indicating the precision of the spatial data points.
Supported Point Cloud Formats for Import
Use these formats to import data into NavVis IVION for viewing, alignment and processing:
E57 (.e57)
Recommended format for point clouds from terrestrial laser scanners or drones.
Supports structured data and can contain panoramas if created that way.
IFC (.ifc)
For importing BIM models into IVION to visualize and compare against captured reality.
LAS / LAZ (.las / .laz)
Standard LiDAR formats, often used in surveying and GIS workflows.
Typically converted to E57 before upload, depending on your workflow and tools.
Other vendor formats (via conversion)
Proprietary scanner formats are normally converted to E57 (or IFC for models) before importing into NavVis IVION using vendor or third‑party tools.
Supported Point Cloud Formats for Export
Export your point cloud from NavVis IVION in any of these common formats for use in other software:
E57 (.e57)
Open, vendor‑neutral format for broad compatibility.
Can be exported with or without panoramas (if available in your data).
PLY (.ply)
Compact, widely supported format for many 3D tools and pipelines.
LAS (.las)
For survey/GIS workflows that rely on the standard LAS format.
RCS (.rcs) – Autodesk ecosystem
Indexed point cloud format used by Autodesk ReCap, Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks.
Exporting RCS directly from IVION avoids an extra indexing step in ReCap.
Use this when your main target is Autodesk software.
POD (.pod) – Bentley ecosystem
Point cloud format used in Bentley tools such as MicroStation and Pointools.
Export from IVION where enabled, or convert from E57 in Bentley software.
PTS / XYZ (.pts / .xyz)
Simple text formats listing points; helpful as a “last resort” format when another option is not supported.
In addition, IVION can export non‑point‑cloud data such as measurements or findings as:
DXF – for CAD tools.
CSV – for spreadsheets or custom analysis.
PDF – for easy sharing and documentation.
Crop & Download tool lets you export exactly the part of the dataset you need from NavVis IVION, in a format that fits your target software.