AutoCAD Tip: Efficient AutoCAD Point Cloud Workflow: Index, Clip, Model

Today’s tip: use point clouds with proper indexing and smart clipping to model faster, lighter, and more accurately in AutoCAD.

• Index first in Autodesk ReCap. Convert raw scans (e57/las/ptx) into RCP/RCS for high‑performance streaming. Clean noise and unify registration in ReCap before bringing data into AutoCAD.
• Attach as an underlay, not geometry. In AutoCAD, use POINTCLOUDATTACH and reference the RCP (project) or RCS (single scan). Treat it like an XREF—portable, swappable, and lightweight.
• Set units and base point on attach. Confirm units match the survey; pick a reliable insertion base (0,0,0 or project benchmark). Lock the point cloud on its own layer to prevent accidental moves.
• Clip early, clip often. Use POINTCLOUDCLIP to create rectangular, circular, or polygonal crops. Invert clips to focus on interiors/exteriors and reset clips when you change tasks.
• Work by zones. Create multiple small clips (by room, elevation, facade). Switch clips as you model to reduce visual noise and GPU load.
• Use color maps for clarity. Toggle color by Intensity for edge contrast, by Elevation for floor-to-floor alignment, or by Scan/Object Color for context. It’s faster than overloading with hatch or linework early.
• Tune density for performance. Adjust POINTCLOUDDENSITY and use the Level of Detail slider to keep navigation smooth while you draft; increase density temporarily when you need precision checks.
• Align your UCS to the reality. Set UCS by three points on walls or slabs, then use PLAN to look orthogonally. Tracing becomes straightforward when your view is aligned to the cloud’s local plane.
• Extract slices for 2D. Use thin clips at known elevations (e.g., +4' or +1.2 m) to trace walls/cores cleanly. Save Named Views for each slice to return quickly as you iterate.
• Control snaps and visibility. Keep OSNAP relevant (Endpoint/Midpoint/Perp) for your drawn geometry and use Isolate Objects or Layer Isolate alongside clipping to stay focused.
• Standardize a template. Include point cloud layers, visual style presets, and page setups in a project DWT so your team models to the same rules from the first attach.
• QA your coordinates. Cross-check a few surveyed points against model geometry before full production. If you must realign, redefine UCS and reattach rather than scaling a cloud ad hoc.
• Package cleanly. For handoff, use eTransmit for DWG plus paths to RCP/RCS; include a readme with expected coordinate system and insertion point.

Pro workflow: do heavy cleaning and indexing in Autodesk ReCap, then attach the RCP in AutoCAD and control visibility entirely with clips and views. This keeps DWGs light, repeatable, and easy to audit.

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