---
title: "Crop and Download tool"
slug: "downloading-point-clouds"
description: "Crop and download point clouds with preserved georegistration. Choose from various formats and coordinate systems for seamless integration into third-party tools."
tags: ["Crop and Download", "Download Options", "Point Cloud Download", "Georegistration", "Cropping Tool", "Orthophotos"]
updated: 2026-10-15T14:16:18Z
published: 2026-10-15T14:16:18Z
canonical: "knowledge.navvis.com/downloading-point-clouds"
---

> ## 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.

# Crop and Download tool

Crop and download sections of a site so you can edit them or import them into other software.

> [!NOTE]
> **Before you start**
> 
> - You need Admin or Editor permissions to crop and download point clouds.
> - Georegistration is preserved, so the cropped data places automatically in the correct location in your third-party tool. You can use a Site coordinate system, a Spatial reference system, or one of your datasets as the reference (useful for external .e57 data).
> - Depending on the size of the data, some downloads take a few minutes to complete.

## Open the Crop & download tool

In the toolbar, click the **Crop & download** icon, or right-click in the view and select **Crop & download**.

![3D office layout with options to create points of interest and download images.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/t1(3).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

## Download formats

In the **Crop & download** panel, choose a **Data type** from **Point cloud**, **Orthophoto**,, then a format:

| Data type | Formats |
| --- | --- |
| Point cloud | .e57, .las, .ply, .pod, .rcs, .xv2 |
| Orthophoto | .tiff |

> [!NOTE]
> Note: The data types available in **Crop & download** depend on the site. Check the note in the panel to see which data types are available. When Orthophoto is available, select it under **Data type** to download the orthophoto as a `.tiff` file.

## Coordinate systems

When downloading point clouds, choose **Site coordinate system**, **Spatial reference system**, or **Dataset**. For orthophotos, the Dataset option is not available. For guidance on selecting the appropriate reference, see [How to Choose a Coordinate System in IVION](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/how-to-choose-a-coordinate-system-in-ivion).

## Hide a dataset before cropping

To focus on one dataset, hide adjacent datasets from view:

1. In the topbar, open the **Site Structure**.
2. Hover over the dataset you want to hide.
3. Click the eye icon to hide it.

![Site structure view showing various building floors and highlighted elements for navigation.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/t2(1).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

For more detail, see [Hiding datasets within the Site Structure menu](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/working-with-datasets#hiding-or-unhiding-datasets).

## Crop in the 2D map

Switch to the 2D map using the **3D / 2D** toggle.

![A 2D floor plan of an office layout with highlighted areas and navigation options.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/t3.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

- **Move:** click the centre of the orange-bordered box, hold the left mouse button, and drag it over the area you want to crop.
- **Resize:** click a point on the box border, hold the mouse button, and drag to expand or shrink the area.
- **Rotate:** click the rotation arrow at the top of the box, hold the left mouse button, and rotate left or right.

To refine the selection, switch to the 3D view with the **3D / 2D** toggle.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Rotate move crop.gif?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

## Crop in the 3D view

1. In the 2D map, outline the area you want to crop.
2. Switch to the 3D view with the **3D / 2D** toggle. Your point cloud appears with a box around the crop area.
3. Adjust the box with the axis gizmo (red = X, green = Y, blue = Z): drag the straight axes to move the box, drag the curved axes to rotate it, and drag the dots to resize it.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Adjusting crop box.gif?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** The 2D map in the secondary view (bottom-right) reflects the changes you make in the 3D view.

1. Use the orientation controls to snap the view to **Top**, **Back**, **Front**, **Left**, or **Right**.
2. Open **Scene settings** (the sliders icon in the view controls) to toggle the [Orthographic projection](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/what-is-the-difference-between-perspective-view-and-orthographic-view) and the cropping box display options (**Cropping box controls** and **Crop model**).

![A digital floor plan showing building layout and model management options for navigation.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/t4.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

## Download point clouds and orthophotos

In the **Crop & download** panel, select the **Data type** you want to download, set its options, and click **Download**.

### Download a point cloud

1. Under **Data type**, click **Point cloud**.
2. Under **Coordinate system**, select a coordinate system (see **Coordinate systems**).
3. In **Name and format**, enter a name or keep the default.
4. Select a format from the drop-down (see **Download formats**).
5. Click **Download**.

![Interface for cropping and downloading 3D data in NavVis software with options displayed.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/t5.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** The .las format does not support normals.

#### What is available for Download:

You can download the original full-color RGB point cloud data. If you choose the .e57 with panoramas format, associated panoramas will be included in the download.

The following data is **not** available for download:

- Measurements and POIs
- Verification colored point clouds
- IFC models.

To know what is available for download, click on the hint at the bottom left corner to know more.

![Interface for downloading point cloud data with highlighted options and coordinate systems.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-09-10 at 16.11.37.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

#### Include panoramas in .e57 downloads

To export a point cloud with embedded panoramas, select **.e57 with panoramas** from the format drop-down. This includes every panorama inside the cropped area.

![3D model interface showing point cloud data and download options for .e57 format.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/t7.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

### **Using NavVis data in third-party software**

NavVis files are compatible with a range of third-party software solutions. Details can be found here: [https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/end-to-end-data-workflows](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/end-to-end-data-workflows)

### Download an orthophoto

1. Under **Data type**, click **Orthophoto**.
2. The projection plane appears as a light-yellow surface; the yellow square marks the top-left of your orthophoto.
3. Click **Sync box to view** to reset the orthophoto to its default top-down position.

![Interface for cropping and downloading orthophotos in a 3D modeling application.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/t8.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

1. Select the coordinate reference to write to the metadata:
  - **EPSG (Spatial reference system):** best for precise positioning on the world map; GeoTIFF-compliant; supported by specialised GIS systems.
  - **Local / Site coordinates:** best for measurement and positioning within a project; wider software support.
2. Select an **Image resolution**.
3. Select a **Visualisation**:
  - **Coloured** — the orthophoto downloads in colour.
  - **X-Ray** — the orthophoto downloads in X-ray mode (see **X-Ray visualisation**).
4. In **Name and format**, enter a name.
5. Click **Download**.

#### X-Ray visualisation

X-ray mode is useful when you download an orthophoto because it:

- Reveals hidden geometry for a clearer understanding of structures.
- Accurately identifies corners and vertical elements, even in overlapping walls.
- Provides CAD-friendly drawing planes for surveying and engineering workflows.
- Supports inspection, maintenance, and change detection over time.

![A detailed architectural drawing of a house showcasing its internal structure and layout.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/image-20260729-161405.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

### Create a BIM model with BIMIT

To turn the cropped area into a BIM model, click **Create BIM with BIMIT** at the bottom of the **Crop & download** panel.

![3D model interface showing options for cropping and downloading point cloud data.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/t9.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-04T03%3A15%3A18Z&se=2026-11-04T04%3A15%3A18Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=KFpQ8nFoL4yGVEyhW%2BfndIz8TD3Vi%2BcnIghfOYb4P3E%3D)

---

### FAQ

#### What permissions are required to crop and download point clouds?

You need Admin or Editor permissions.

#### How does georegistration affect the downloaded data?

Georegistration is preserved, so the cropped data can be placed accurately in third-party tools.

#### What formats can I download in?

Point clouds: .e57, .las, .ply, .pod, .rcs, and .xv2. Orthophotos: .tiff: .obj and .ply.

#### Can I crop point clouds from multiple floors at once?

No. Cropping is limited to one floor by default.

#### Can I hide datasets while cropping?

Yes. Open the Site Structure and click the eye icon next to a dataset.