View a specific area at enhanced resolution

OBJECTIVE: To view a volume at a specific position within the Point Cloud Manager dataset at a higher resolution for enhanced data clarity. Dynamic volume selection tools allow a simple drag and drop to rapidly capture the appropriate volume.

Initial step - perspective view

Select the Get Volume at Point feature as shown below to start the volume selection procedure.

Select a point in the 3D window around which to create the volume. If the point selected is 6 meters or closer, a 1-meter volume cube is created which is centered on the selected point. For every additional meter over 6 meters, the size of the volume cube increases by 10%.

When the blue volume box is visible, you may resize the box by clicking and dragging any of the blue arrow grips which appear on each side and corner of the box. When the box is being resized, only points inside the box will be shown in the 3D window.

Select the icon shown below to translate or rotate the volumes.

This brings up the modification frame as shown in the image below:

Each arc may be dragged to rotate the volume about the corresponding coloured line, and the volume may be dragged to translate along the selected line. This feature provides immediate visual feedback permitting exact points selection.

Initial step - orthographic view

When the split screen orthographic mode is active, this function allows the operator to make volume selections by dragging a box in each window. The Volume Selection dialogue box then appears, giving further control of the selection options.

After the square has been selected in the first window, if needed, the second window will automatically adjust and center itself to the correct position to complete the second selection.

After the squares have been drawn in both views, the Volume Selection dialogue appears as described below.

Final step - both views

After the volume has been accepted the Volume Selection dialogue is displayed.

• The volume selection dialogue has two tabs; the values in these are taken from the limits box position. Manual alterations are possible at this time.

• Subdraw value will alter to reflect possible display resolution, based on volume size.

• Smaller volumes permit a lower subdraw value.

• Lower subdraw value means higher point resolution; subdraw 1 displays all available points.

• Select OK to display.

• Press F6 to remove points outside the selected volume.

Volume modification – Perspective view

After the volume has been created, selecting the Adjust Volume button brings back the blue box around the current volume. This enables the user to modify the current volume using the blue, arrow grips on each side and corner of the box, or to translate/rotate the current volume through the Translate/Rotate icon. Again, press Enter or use the right mouse button to accept the volume.

The Volume Selection dialogue is displayed and can be used as per the initial volume selection.

Volume Adjustment - Orthographic view

When the initial volume has been processed, you can resize or move the volume by using the Adjust Volume button shown below:

Select the button to display the light blue arrows within the current volume as shown in the picture below:

To highlight the potential direction for modification of the current volume, hover over any of the arrows. The box can be resized on one side by clicking and dragging the arrow on the appropriate side. The entire box can also be moved by selecting the Translate/Rotate icon at the bottom right of the 3D window and dragging any of the lines or arcs on the modification frame.

When you are happy with the size and location of the box, press Enter or use the right mouse button with the mouse cursor inside the blue box to bring up the Volume Selection dialogue again. Make any necessary changes and select OK to accept and process the volume.