AutoCAD Tip: AutoCAD Point Cloud Attach Workflow

Bring reality capture into your drafting workflow with Point Cloud Attach. When used correctly, it accelerates as-built modeling, verification, and renovation planning. If you need licenses or guidance on reality-capture workflows, explore AutoCAD options at NOVEDGE and Autodesk ReCap tools at NOVEDGE.

Prepare your scans

• Index raw scans (E57/LAS/LAZ, etc.) in Autodesk ReCap to create an RCP project with RCS scans. AutoCAD attaches RCP/RCS, not raw formats.
• Clean, register, and segment in ReCap first (noise removal, regions, levels). Smaller, well-organized RCS files perform better in AutoCAD.
• Store point clouds on a fast local SSD. Avoid network paths during active modeling when possible.

Attach and place

• Insert > Point Cloud > Attach, or run POINTCLOUDATTACH. Choose RCP (project) or RCS (individual scan).
• Set Insertion point, Scale, and Rotation. Use Relative pathing so teams can move projects without breaking links.
• If the scan is georeferenced, align early. Use known control points or run ALIGN with 3-point pairs for a quick fit.

Visualize efficiently

• Open Point Cloud Manager to switch colorization (True Color, Elevation, Intensity) for clarity. Elevation maps are excellent for checking level differences.
• Use POINTCLOUDCROP to box, polygon, or circular-clip to the active work zone. Invert clips to isolate areas of interest.
• Adjust point density for performance. Start low while navigating; raise only when tracing details.

Model with confidence

• Create thin slices for tracing: place a SECTIONPLANE and adjust thickness to reduce visual noise.
• Align your UCS to dominant faces (walls, slabs) for orthographic modeling. Save named UCSs for repeated use.
• For measurements, zoom tightly and keep snaps disciplined. Work in sections rather than free 3D space to avoid drifting.

Keep drawings responsive

• Put point clouds on dedicated layers; lock them when not editing. Toggle layer on/off to speed navigation.
• Unload or detach unused scans between phases. If scans are massive, split by floor/zone in ReCap and attach only what you need.
• Enable hardware acceleration and keep graphics drivers current. A workstation-grade GPU helps with dense datasets.

Sharing and reliability

• Use eTransmit and include the point cloud folder, or provide a clear relative-folder structure to prevent broken paths.
• Use Reference Manager if paths move. Keep naming consistent between teams and consultants.

Quality checks

• Spot-check modeled geometry against the cloud at key control locations (corners, openings, centerlines).
• Compare elevation slices to verify floor flatness and ceiling heights before issuing drawings.

For licenses, consulting, and hardware recommendations tailored to point cloud workflows, connect with NOVEDGE. A well-prepared RCP, disciplined clipping, and UCS-aware modeling will make Point Cloud Attach a fast, reliable path from scan to drawing.