---
title: "Setting Views in a Site"
slug: "exploring-a-site-3"
description: "Manage your views effectively: toggle Point cloud and Panoramas, access options, and utilize 360° Location Markers for enhanced navigation."
tags: ["View Options", "Point Cloud", "Panoramas", "Point Cloud Visualization", "Point Cloud Views", "point cloud vs panoramas view"]
updated: 2026-08-18T15:31:07Z
published: 2026-08-18T15:31:07Z
canonical: "knowledge.navvis.com/exploring-a-site-3"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.navvis.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Setting Views

When you open a site, you decide what appears in the view using four controls at the top centre of the screen: the **3D / 2D toggle**, the **point cloud settings** dropdown (the arrow on the **3D** button), the **Data layers** panel, and the **Scene settings** panel. This page explains each one.

The **view controls** panel sit together at the top of the screen:

![NavVis office interface showing 3D and 2D view options with navigation tools.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-08-13 at 15.51.37.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T13%3A35%3A06Z&se=2026-11-11T14%3A35%3A06Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=6%2F%2FhO%2FcWc4h1dEJmtVnuH%2FO9V7IzPDUhcrr3Xc%2FOwF4%3D)

## Switch between 3D and 2D

Use the **3D / 2D toggle** to switch between the 3D view (point cloud, panorama, or splats) and the 2D map. Whichever view you are not using appears as a small preview in the bottom-right corner.

## 3D view

Click the arrow on the **3D** button to open the point cloud settings. The three tabs at the top choose what the 3D view displays, and each tab has its own settings.

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** Panoramas and Point clouds cannot be shown at the same time. Turning on one turns off the other.

### Panoramas

The **Panoramas** tab shows the panoramic images captured during the scan. Turn **Location markers** on or off to show or hide the markers that indicate where each panorama was taken. For details, [refer here](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/point-cloud-and-panorama-settings-1#panorama-settings).

![Interior view of NavVis office with location markers and navigation options displayed.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-08-13 at 15.52.25.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T13%3A35%3A06Z&se=2026-11-11T14%3A35%3A06Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=6%2F%2FhO%2FcWc4h1dEJmtVnuH%2FO9V7IzPDUhcrr3Xc%2FOwF4%3D)

### **Orthographic projection**

Toggle the Orthographic projection on to see a site in orthographic view. It is useful for inspecting facades, reading layouts, or checking alignment across a floor.

![User interface for NavVis software displaying cropping and download options for point cloud data.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/image-1787066997902.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T13%3A35%3A06Z&se=2026-11-11T14%3A35%3A06Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=6%2F%2FhO%2FcWc4h1dEJmtVnuH%2FO9V7IzPDUhcrr3Xc%2FOwF4%3D)

### Point clouds

The **Point clouds** tab controls the 3D point cloud. Choose a **Quality** preset and pick an **Appearance** (colour style), then use **Hide walls & ceilings** and **Automatic activation** as needed. Quality and Appearance are explained below. For details, [refer here](https://knowledge.navvis.com/v1/docs/setting-point-cloud-options).

![3D office layout with navigation options and appearance settings displayed on the interface.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-08-13 at 15.53.43.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T13%3A35%3A06Z&se=2026-11-11T14%3A35%3A06Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=6%2F%2FhO%2FcWc4h1dEJmtVnuH%2FO9V7IzPDUhcrr3Xc%2FOwF4%3D)

### Quality Settings

Use the **Quality** dropdown to choose a preset, such as **Balanced**. To fine-tune the point cloud yourself, select **More settings** and adjust **Range (m)**, **Level of detail**, **Point count target (M)**, and **Minimum node size (px)**. Higher settings show more detail but can reduce performance.

![User interface displaying quality settings for a 3D office visualization tool.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-08-13 at 15.54.05.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T13%3A35%3A06Z&se=2026-11-11T14%3A35%3A06Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=6%2F%2FhO%2FcWc4h1dEJmtVnuH%2FO9V7IzPDUhcrr3Xc%2FOwF4%3D)

### Appearance Settings

Use **Appearance** to change how the point cloud is coloured. For example, true colour (RGB), a single colour, or by elevation. Select the preset you want. Select **More settings** for extra options, including **Hide walls & ceilings** (to see inside the building) and **Automatic activation**.

![3D visualization of stairs with settings for point cloud appearance adjustments displayed.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-08-13 at 15.55.13.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T13%3A35%3A06Z&se=2026-11-11T14%3A35%3A06Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=6%2F%2FhO%2FcWc4h1dEJmtVnuH%2FO9V7IzPDUhcrr3Xc%2FOwF4%3D)

### Splats

The **Splats** tab shows the Gaussian-splat representation of the site. Choose a **Quality** preset, and use **Scan path navigation**, **Navigation range (m)**, and **Show scan path** to control how you move through the site.

![User interface for navigation settings at Bayerische Staatskanzlei with scan path options.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-08-13 at 15.56.11.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T13%3A35%3A06Z&se=2026-11-11T14%3A35%3A06Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=6%2F%2FhO%2FcWc4h1dEJmtVnuH%2FO9V7IzPDUhcrr3Xc%2FOwF4%3D)

## 2D view

Click the arrow on the **2D** button to open the **Layers** panel for the 2D map. Here you can choose which 2D layer to display. For example, the map for each dataset or floor of the site. Select a layer to show it on the map.

![Aerial view of the Bavarian State Chancellery with highlighted datasets and rooms.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-08-13 at 15.56.29.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T13%3A35%3A06Z&se=2026-11-11T14%3A35%3A06Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=6%2F%2FhO%2FcWc4h1dEJmtVnuH%2FO9V7IzPDUhcrr3Xc%2FOwF4%3D)

### Data layers panel

Click the **Data layers** icon to turn individual layers on or off using the toggle next to each one.

![Map interface showing data layers for location markers and measurements at Bavarian State Chancellery.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-08-13 at 15.56.40.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T13%3A35%3A06Z&se=2026-11-11T14%3A35%3A06Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=6%2F%2FhO%2FcWc4h1dEJmtVnuH%2FO9V7IzPDUhcrr3Xc%2FOwF4%3D)

| Layer | Description |
| --- | --- |
| **Models** | Turns the 3D models on or off, refer [here](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/working-with-models). Keyboard shortcut: press **M** to make all models visible in the site. |
| **POIs** | Turns the display of POIs on or off. |
| **Measurements** | Turns the display of measurements on or off, [refer here](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/measurements). |
| **Location markers** | Turns the location markers on or off (white circles with black arrows) that show where a panoramic image was captured. |
| **360° Location markers** | Turns the location markers uploaded from 360° cameras on or off. |

## Scene Settings

Click the **Scene settings** icon (sliders) to open the **General** settings:

- **Cursor coordinates**: show the coordinates of the cursor position.
- **Secondary view**: show or hide the preview in the bottom-right corner, where a blue dot marks your position, [refer here](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/viewing-the-secondary-view).
- **Orthographic projection**: switch the 3D view to an orthographic (non-perspective) projection, where available.

![A digital map interface showing options for viewing and navigation settings.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-08-13 at 15.57.19.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-11T13%3A35%3A06Z&se=2026-11-11T14%3A35%3A06Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=6%2F%2FhO%2FcWc4h1dEJmtVnuH%2FO9V7IzPDUhcrr3Xc%2FOwF4%3D)

---

### FAQ

#### Can I display both Point clouds and Panoramas at the same time?

No. Panoramas and Point clouds cannot be shown at the same time — turning on one turns off the other. You choose between them in the point cloud settings dropdown.

#### How do I access the view options?

The view options are at the top centre of the screen. Use the 3D / 2D toggle to switch views, the arrow on the 3D button for point cloud settings, the arrow on the 2D button for 2D map layers, the Data layers icon to show or hide layers, and the View settings icon for general display options.

#### Is there a keyboard shortcut to make all models visible?

Yes, press M on your keyboard to make all models visible in the site.

#### What does the Secondary view display?

The secondary view is the preview in the bottom-right corner. It shows your position as a blue dot and gives context about your location and recorded panoramas. You can turn it on or off in the View settings panel.

#### Can I hide overlapping data?

Yes. The Hide overlapping data option is available in the point cloud settings dropdown.

#### What are 360° Location markers?

360° Location markers are the location markers uploaded from 360° cameras, which you can turn on or off in the Data layers panel.

#### What do the location markers represent?

Location markers are white circles with black arrows that indicate where a panoramic image was captured.

A three-dimensional representation of an environment, made up of many points. A point is defined by x, y and z coordinates, and it may or may not contain RGB, an intensity value, and normals.