---
title: "Importing external point cloud data into NavVis IVION"
slug: "importing-external-point-cloud-data-into-navvis-ivion"
updated: 2026-01-28T13:41:20Z
published: 2026-01-28T13:41:20Z
canonical: "knowledge.navvis.com/importing-external-point-cloud-data-into-navvis-ivion"
---

> ## 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.

# Importing external point cloud data into NavVis IVION

## Importing external point clouds

Use the following procedure to upload point cloud data that has come from external software or a non-NavVis scanning device into NavVis IVION.

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:**Navvis IVION supports the following point cloud formats: `.ptx`, `.ply`, `.pts`, `.xyz`, and `.e57`. For `.pts` files, the range of intensity values has to be between -2048 to 2047.

1. Drag and drop files to the upload field or click **Upload**inside the field.![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/update data2.png)
2. Select one of the following options:
  - Select **Site coordinate system** to import the point cloud.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/image-1740412917714.png)
  - Select **Spatial reference system** to choose a projected, metric system for the dataset(s).

Start typing a name and select the correct spatial reference system that displays.

![spatial ref](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/spatial%20ref.PNG)
  - Select **Pick location on map** to choose a location for the dataset(s) and click **Next**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/image-1733245997035.png) Pick a location for the point cloud on the map displayed. Search for an address or coordinates and, if necessary, adjust the location of the location picker and click **Import**.![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/import cloud.PNG)

## **What features are available for external point clouds imported into NavVis IVION?**

When importing point cloud data from an external source the following functionality is supported in NavVis IVION

- Aligning the point clouds
- Creating POIs in them.
- Measuring distances between any two points.
- Navigating through the point clouds by double-clicking.
- Changing the appearance and quality settings of the point clouds.

The following features are only available for imported point clouds with [Normals](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/how-to-know-if-an-e57-file-has-normals). In NavVis IVION, Normals can be generated during the upload of `.e57` files with sensor origins.

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:**Normal generation is not supported for file formats other than `.e57`.

- Use automatic fine-alignment with imported point clouds.
- Automatically generate 2D maps or a navigation graph for the imported point clouds.

Panorama extractions for .e57 files is available if certain criteria is met, refer here for more information on [Panoramas from .e57 Fil](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/panoramas-from-e57-files)

---

### FAQ

#### What file formats are supported for importing point clouds into NavVis IVION?

NavVis IVION supports the following point cloud formats: .ptx, .ply, .pts, .xyz, and .e57.

#### What is the intensity value range for .pts files?

For .pts files, the range of intensity values has to be between -2048 to 2047.

#### How can I upload point cloud data to NavVis IVION?

You can upload point cloud data by dragging and dropping files into the upload field or by clicking 'Upload' inside the field.

#### Can I create Points of Interest (POIs) in imported point clouds?

Yes, you can create POIs in the imported point clouds.

#### Is automatic fine-alignment available for all point cloud formats?

No, automatic fine-alignment is only available for imported point clouds with Normals, which can be generated during the upload of .e57 files.

#### Can I measure distances between points in the imported point clouds?

Yes, you can measure distances between any two points in the imported point clouds.

#### Do I need to select a coordinate system when importing point clouds?

Yes, you need to select a Site coordinate system or a Spatial reference system when importing point clouds.

#### Is it possible to navigate through the point clouds in NavVis IVION?

Yes, you can navigate through the point clouds by double-clicking.

#### Are panorama extractions available for .e57 files?

Yes, panorama extractions for .e57 files are available if certain criteria are met.

Normals are perpendicular to the tangent plane line at a particular point on the surface. They yield especially useful information about a curved surface's characteristics but conversely can tell us much about the planarity of a flat or angular surface also. Normals can tell us the rate of change of curvature when a surface has an angular departure and tell us just how perfectly flat something is.