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Importing a Non-Leica Pointcloud into Map360

If you use a Leica scanner you can use Map360 to open any Cyclone Database or LGS export produced by your Leica pointcloud software directly into Map360.  But if your pointcloud is produced by photogrametry, downloaded from a public database or produced by a nonLeica branded terrestrial scanner you need to follow the procedure outlined below to convert the file into a format that will work with Map360:


 

This Tutorial walks you through the steps of creating a Cyclone database from a non-Leica Pointcloud source.

You must have Leica GeoSystems Cyclone installed to proceed with this Tutorial. If required you can download it from here:

Download Cyclone from this Page

Save this file to your computer, right click and "extract all..."

Then install the program as a free viewer version.


Compatible Pointcloud formats:

This procedure will allow you to import data from a variety of pointcloud formats. Other available formats include:

 

 Run Map360

Open or create the Drawing which you intend to import the PointCloud data into.  Select the units that you need your final drawing to be presented in.

Start Import Cyclone command from the data ribbon. 

NOTE: Some formats require that you use "Import Cyclone Legacy."  You will know this is the case if your imported file appears blank. 

This will make a connection to the EpcA engine and connect Map360 to Cyclone. You’ll see a progress bar for several seconds while it establishes this connection.

 

When the Import ModelSpace dialog appears you may cancel the import command, but it's not mandatory:

Leave Map360 running in the background and launch Cyclone from your Installed Programs:

 

In Cyclone:

Run Cyclone. (free demo version is fine, license not required.)

Expand “SERVERS” in the tree

Right-click on the “YOURCOMPUTERNAME (unshared)” database.

Click "Databases..."

 

Click the “Add” button

 

Pick the "..." button and browse to the folder you would like to create your Cyclone database.  We recommend creating it in the same location as your original scan file and CAD files for ease of file management in the future.

 

 

Enter a name for your Cyclone Database (IMP) file and Pick "Open" twice:

 

Select "OK"

 

The new database is added to the list, make sure it’s checked and click Close.

 

In the Cyclone Navigator, right-click on your new database and select “Import”

 

Browse to your pointcloud file and Open it.

 

(It may take some time to import, depending on how big the scan is.)

Expand your database, and you’ll see that it created a new “ModelSpace”.

 

Close Cyclone

 

In Map360

Return to Map360.  You can continue working with the open "Import Modelspace" dialog or, if you've closed it, launch either "Import Cyclone" or "Import Cyclone Legacy" from the Data ribbon:

 

Set the units to match your drawing, and pick on "..." to start the import.

 

Highlight "ModelSpace View" of the database you need to import and select "Open."

 

Pick on "OK"

 

The Result:

A database is now created, and is linked to your drawing

This database is now saved on your computer and available to open into any drawing by running "Import Cyclone" or "Import Cyclone Legacy."  You won't need to repeat the import steps.

 

 Troubleshooting Tip: If, after following the process above you see a blank screen, start a new drawing and run the "Import Cyclone Legacy" command and open the imp file you have created.

Choose files or drag and drop files
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  1. Louise Anderson

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